had to replace rear brake caliper, is parking brake cable just worn out? Cant get it back on caliper!
The parking brake cable connects to the rear brake caliper. Got it off the caliper just barely. Now have new caliper mounted and absolutely no way able to get parking brake cable back on.
My car has 220000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
You should install the brake cable before installing the brake caliper. You may have to turn in the caliper again to get it back over the rotor when installing it. If you want to have this done for you, a technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to correctly install the parking cable (and caliper) for you – just let them know that you already have the parts.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Before replacing the rear brake pads, you must disable the electric parking brake. Why is that? The electric parking brake system uses the brake pads and rotors in the braking system. It has control over the caliper pistons.
Press and hold the EPB switch until the brake warning light on the instrument panel starts to flash. Continue to hold the switch until the flash goes off. 4. Release the switch and press it again, the parking brake should now be reset.
A worn-out rear brake shoe or brake pad (if used as the e-brake mechanism) can cause emergency brake failure. So, the solution is to get these replaced. Before contacting a mechanic to look at your brakes, let`s identify which signs point to a failing parking brake.
The emergency brake bypasses your vehicle`s hydraulic brake system to lock the wheels in place. This mechanical system uses cables that are attached to the emergency brake lever. When engaged on cars with drum brakes, the cables pull another lever that puts pressure on the brake shoes to hold the vehicle.
In order to release the stick and, therefore, the parking brake, the driver must press a button on the top of the lever while pushing the brake back down into its flattened position.
The main symptom of a broken cable is the parking brake not engaging or disengaging. It will likely feel jammed or stuck in place. Try to avoid driving with the parking brake engaged as this can cause more damage to your braking system, resulting in a more expensive repair.
Emergency Brake Parts
Using only levers and cables, each type of emergency brake is completely mechanical and bypasses the normal brake system. This ensures that a vehicle can be brought to a complete stop if there`s a failure of the brake system [source: Ofria].
So, what makes an emergency brake different? It`s all in the name. Some automakers call it a parking brake, while some call it an emergency brake. While calling the auxiliary brake system a parking brake implies you use it every time you park your car, the name emergency brake implies it`s only for emergencies.
The parking brake in most vehicles is still completely mechanical. Traditionally engaged by pulling a lever, the cables manually engage part of the car`s braking system, usually the rear disk or drum brakes. The mechanical nature allows the driver to apply the brake even if the main hydraulic brake system fails.
Things You Should Know
Alternatively, check the fuse for the electric parking brake in the fuse box to see if it needs to be replaced. If that doesn`t work, see a mechanic if you have wiring issues or the servo motor isn`t working correctly.
With EPB, the driver activates the holding mechanism with a button and the brake pads are then electrically applied onto the rear brakes. This is accomplished by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and an actuator mechanism.
Parking brake shoes are designed to self-adjust, but the self-adjusting system can often fail. The brake shoe is housed in the drum and experiences lots of heat and brake dust that eventually leads to wear and tear.
An auxiliary brake is a brake system that`s separate from your regular foot-pedal brake system. Auxiliary brakes are more commonly called a parking brake, an emergency brake, or a handbrake, and are connected to calipers that grip onto the rear wheel rotors.
In an emergency, the parking brake can be activated when the vehicle is moving by pressing and holding in the button. The brakes will then be applied with force in order to brake the vehicle. The braking process is canceled when the button is released or if the accelerator pedal is depressed.
When changing a flat tire. Using your emergency brake while changing a flat tire will ensure your car doesn`t drop off its jack. The emergency brake will also keep the rear tires stationary, making it easier to tighten and loosen lug nuts.
Making sure the vehicle is in neutral or park, pump the brakes 15 to 20 times to make sure the pad is seated properly. Top off brake fluid levels or follow bleeding of brakes section to flush out old fluid and replace with new fluid.
1. You should never drive with the parking brake on. Driving with your car parking brake on can do major damage to your braking system. It can wear down your brake pads quickly, as well as cause excessive heat in the system that can do other types of expensive damage.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
had to replace rear brake caliper, is parking brake cable just worn out? Cant get it back on caliper!
ANSWER : You should install the brake cable before installing the brake caliper. You may have to turn in the caliper again to get it back over the rotor when installing it. If you want to have this done for you, a technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to correctly install the parking cable (and caliper) for you – just let them know that you already have the parts.
Replaced calipers and brake shoes. Bled the brakes and loose clutch. Get clutch back and loose brake pressure. Why?
ANSWER : Hello. The symptoms you are describing are very unusual. The clutch and brake hydraulic systems on your vehicle are separate, and should function completely independently of each other. The brake master cylinder uses a completely different set of lines than the clutch master cylinder does. I would try carefully bleeding both systems once more, just to be sure that there is no air in either system.
If both are bled properly, I would then move on to making sure that none of the components of either system are leaking. Leaks at the master or slave cylinders, or at any of the calipers or wheel cylinders will cause the systems to lose pressure. If the problem persists, I would then consider the possibility of a defective master cylinder.
Low brake pedal and anti-lock brakes are not kicking in.
ANSWER : The brake pedal is working to stop the vehicle, but there may be air in the controller unit causing the ABS brakes to not function. I recommend bleeding the brake system from the farthest location from the master cylinder to the master cylinder including the ABS unit. If the brakes are still spongy after a full bleed, then the controller will need to be replaced. If you need further assistance with your brake pedal being spongy, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
Horrible grinding sound after recently replaced front and back brakes and rotors.
ANSWER : Hi there. Were there shims installed on the old pads? New shims on the new pads? Missing shims can create noise while braking which is why the antiseize worked for a short time. What brand/level of brake pads did your husband install? Usually, the lowest priced pads are the noisiest. The antisieze that he installed is not recommended to be put on brake components as the high temperatures of these parts can cause the lubricant to run and contaminate the pads and rotors. There are specifically designed brake pad shim lubricants designed to withstand these high temperatures; these are the only ones that should be used if needed. I strongly suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts and a possible safety concern. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a brakes are making a noise inspection.
No brake fluid is getting to the rear brakes
ANSWER : As far as the brake issue, yes, there needs to be a check to see if there is brake fluid entering into the proportional valve. If there is fluid supply to the valve but not out then the valve will need to be replaced. Any electrical faults in the rear ABS system are generally indicated with a light illuminated and if so, then the flash codes can be read out. But with no light illuminated then there most likely no electrical failures in the system. If the source from where the brake fluid supply cannot be located, then you may want to enlist the help of a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, to help with the diagnosis of your brake system.
Rear brake job
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. These situations are understandably questionable. The service providers at a lot of common oil changing and tire repair centers will quote you for a variety of things that can be updated. This does not always mean you are in dire need for more repairs. If braking seems to be harder, spongy, or takes longer, then you have reason to be concerned. Otherwise, you should check the amount of brake pad material left on the calipers. This can be visually inspected without too much trouble. Remove the wheel and physically measure the amount left, compare them to your vehicle specifications. It is a little early to worry about brake fluid or the rotors. However if the brake fluid is low, the rotors are warped from a hard stop, or there are obvious issues you should look into the system further. Only further inspection will confirm or deny the recommendations. For a second inspection, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
EPC light on 2004 Jetta. Code said brake switch faulty, but brakes lights worked. Replaced brake switch, now no brake lights.
ANSWER : Hi there. The first thing that pops in my mind beyond of what you have listed is perhaps the electrical harness attached to the brake switch. Perhaps the harness itself is damaged or you have an exposed wire, loose ground wire somewhere. You might want to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a brake lights not working inspection to help you diagnose this issue.
I replaced the brake light switch. Gear lever unlocked because it had locked. Now the brakes feel hard.
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. You need to check the brake switch install adjustment. You may have the switch adjusted too tight and it is holding the the brake pedal partly down. This will cause the brake master cylinder to not release the brakes when you let off the pedal. Readjust the switch away from the pedal until you feel some free play again in the pedal. This should fix the problem. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.
