Adjusting parking brake cable

Tiny
COOLOLDS85
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 BUICK REGAL
  • 2.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 57,000 MILES
The parking brake cable that attaches to the rear caliper bracket came off. I cannot disengage the parking brake cable to loosen it so I can attach it back onto the caliper bracket. Is there any instructions how to disengage and re adjust the cable so I can re attach it back onto the caliper?
Monday, March 2nd, 2020 AT 4:18 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi,

To release pressure from the cable, there is an equalization cable under the vehicle where one cable (from in vehicle) connects to two other cables (one for each side on the rear). There is an adjuster bolt that you loosen to release pressure from the cable.

I have to be honest, the nut on the adjuster is most likely rusted and will break if you force it. Make sure to take your time, take a wire brush to the threads on the bolt, and then spray it with a good penetrating fluid and allow it to soak.

One you loose that, you will be able to reattach the cable at the caliper.

Here are the directions for adjustment once you get it reattached:

_______________________
1989 Buick Regal V6-173 2.8L
Disc Parking Brake
Vehicle Brakes and Traction Control Parking Brake System Adjustments Disc Parking Brake
DISC PARKING BRAKE
1. Lubricate parking brake cables at underbody rub points and at equalizer hooks and ensure free movement of all cables.
2. With parking brake fully released, jack up both rear wheels.
3. Remove slack from cable by holding brake cable stud and tightening equalizer nut. After tightening nut, check that caliper levers are against stops on caliper housing. If not, loosen cable until levers return to stops.
4. Actuate parking brake several times to check adjustment.

___________________________

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Joe
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Monday, March 2nd, 2020 AT 6:25 PM
Tiny
COOLOLDS85
  • MEMBER
  • 173 POSTS
Spring wouldn’t disengage or loosen, just kept getting tight. Even soaked it but it was so rusty when I get it to loosen it kinda stripped on me. So it looks like I am going to have to get a replacement Parking brake cable. Do you know which part numbers are for both passenger side and drivers side? Passenger side wraps around near fuel tank to the drivers side where there is a spring meeting the drivers side cable.
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Monday, March 9th, 2020 AT 1:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi,

That happens more than you know. I attached a picture below. It shows the original equipment part numbers. You may want to consider getting them from a parts store. They will be much less money.

Let me know of this helps.

Joe
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Tuesday, March 10th, 2020 AT 8:11 PM

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