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Need help adjusting parking brake cable - 1966 GT350

Discussion in '1965-1970 Shelby Mustang GT350 & GT500' started by Edward66GT350, Jul 27, 2008.

  1. Jul 27, 2008 #1
    Edward66GT350

    Edward66GT350 Well-Known Member

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    Hi All,
    Just finished rebuilding the rear drums on my 66 GT350. Problem is, I can not reinstall the "brake bar" as the parking lever is pulled too far forward. I need to allow the parking lever to go rearwards so the brake bar will fit between the primary and secondary shoes.
    So, how do I remedy this?
    The brake bar was missing from the car when I started the rebuild, so I think the previous mechanic just left it off. I did not mess with the cables in any way.
    The passenger side went together very easily.
    TIA,
    Ed
     
    Edward66GT350, Jul 27, 2008
    Edward66GT350, Jul 27, 2008
    #1
  2. Jul 27, 2008 #2
    Snakepit

    Snakepit Well-Known Member

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    Re: Need help adjusting parking brake cable....

    Though simple have you checked to see if the adjustment on the cable on the car is all the way out to the end of the shaft?

    The system is pretty simple.. either something installed wrong or wrong/modified parts
     
    Snakepit, Jul 27, 2008
    Snakepit, Jul 27, 2008
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  3. Jul 27, 2008 #3
    Edward66GT350

    Edward66GT350 Well-Known Member

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    Re: Need help adjusting parking brake cable....

    under the car, the cables on both sides(ie r and l) have slack in them. the cable inside the drum is very tight(ie spring is compressed).
    ed
     
    Edward66GT350, Jul 27, 2008
    Edward66GT350, Jul 27, 2008
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  4. Jul 27, 2008 #4
    Snakepit

    Snakepit Well-Known Member

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    Re: Need help adjusting parking brake cable....

    Then if the cables are slack outside the rear brake area and the cables in the brake area are all the way forward then they are hanging up/stuck inside the section covered by the protective jacket. I would flow some WD 40 into the jacket then attempt to pull them towards the brake end.

    Hopefully they will work free and there is not some damage to the cable. IF so you'll be purchasing a new cable
     
    Snakepit, Jul 27, 2008
    Snakepit, Jul 27, 2008
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  5. Jul 27, 2008 #5
    Edward66GT350

    Edward66GT350 Well-Known Member

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    Re: Need help adjusting parking brake cable....

    jeff,
    flow some wd40 into the cable jacket where it attaches to the backing plate?
    does a rubber boot need to be removed, is that what you mean?
    ed
     
    Edward66GT350, Jul 27, 2008
    Edward66GT350, Jul 27, 2008
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  6. Jul 27, 2008 #6
    Snakepit

    Snakepit Well-Known Member

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    Re: Need help adjusting parking brake cable....

    I would remove them from the backing plate (so I can get one end down (so gravity will hlep out) Move the boot off the other end (at the frame) and try and introduce WD40 at that end.

    I sure I would just bathe the outer jacket (some should penetrate in from the outside) with it also. YOu need to get the cable moving - I assume that right now you can not extend the end at the brake in or out of the jacket???
     
    Snakepit, Jul 27, 2008
    Snakepit, Jul 27, 2008
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  7. Jul 27, 2008 #7
    Edward66GT350

    Edward66GT350 Well-Known Member

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    Re: Need help adjusting parking brake cable....

    jeff,
    i sprayed wd40 on the cable inside the drum. rusty wd40 came out.
    the cable and spring attached to parking brake lever is fully compressed. i even tried tapping on it w/ a hammer/screwdriver to get it to move rearward. it would not budge.
    cable at forward end near frame attachment moves. it is only bound up in the rear portion. will it work free or do i need to replace the cable?
    ed
     
    Edward66GT350, Jul 27, 2008
    Edward66GT350, Jul 27, 2008
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  8. Jul 27, 2008 #8
    Snakepit

    Snakepit Well-Known Member

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    Re: Need help adjusting parking brake cable....

    Well it make "work" free but it may repeat this little again... only to burn up your rear brake shoes. If you can not get the cable to work freely only one choice- replacement

    Sorry
     
    Snakepit, Jul 27, 2008
    Snakepit, Jul 27, 2008
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