Replacing emergency brake cables - 1974 CJ5

I had my brakes redone a year ago, but they never checked the emergency brakes and they are very difficult to set. It takes a lot of pressure on the pedal to get them to engage and then they do not hold very well.

I am thinking that the cables are stuck since the brake internals should be new. Before I install them, I am wondering if I am going to have to remove the shoes and springs etc to replace the cables or will I be able to change them in place?? Just want to know so I can get the right tools before I tackle the job.

 

Pretty sure you will need to remove the shoes to get the new cable into the parking brake arm. As I recall, you have to turn the arm 90 degrees to the cable to insert the cable in the end of the arm. Look at figure 9-13 here http://oljeep.com/gw/76_tsm/Section9.pdf The barrel on the end of the cable slips into the end of the parking brake lever. You may also need access to where the cable goes through the backing plate - requiring removal of the brake shoes.

I would not condemn the cables before I had them out of the Jeep and could test whether they slide in the sheaths or not. There are three cables - one to each wheel and one from the pedal to the yoke. Jeep PNs 2 ea 999980 and 1 ea 999978 resp. Have you established that they are available? I would also test that the cables do not move freely before I removed them from the backing plate - this will require removal of the rear brake shoes.

 

Thanks timgr... I have already bought the new cables as I am trying to slowly replace everything with new wherever possible. I'll have to line up the tools before I tackle the job.

 

Only tools needed on drum brakes are a screw driver and Vise Grips for the springs. Bought one of those fancy multi-function brake tools years ago, returned it after doing the first side and finished up the second using the tools I had always used.

 

when correctly used, the drum brake tools make the job easier.

 

Bj......can you tell us where you sourced those cables? I will be needing the entire mechanical system, from the pedal to the rear most cables, inclusive. Thanks.

 

I have replaced all the parts on my 73 for some reason they still dont hold veary good

 

Are your rear brakes adjusted properly?

 

i think so i will check them again