1997 Geo Tracker - Brake Cable

Signs Of A Bad Parking Brake Cable

A parking brake cable connects the mechanical hand lever or foot-operated brake to the rear brakes. Also known as an emergency brake, this system functions mechanically and is separate from the regular hydraulic brakes - this allows the vehicle to be stopped if the primary braking system fails. When the emergency brake is engaged, the cables tighten and either expands the brake shoes outward or pushes a caliper piston into the brake pads to stop the vehicle. When the lever is released, tension is relieved from the parking brake cable and the brakes are deactivated. A parking brake cable can stretch, rust, or seize due to wear, which may cause the emergency brake not to operate properly or at all. Signs of a bad parking brake cable include a loose-feeling parking brake lever, squeaking or grinding noises when engaging the parking brake, a cable that looks frayed or broken, or if the vehicle rolls forward or backward when the parking brake is in use. If the parking brake cable is still tight when the lever is released, or if the parking brake feels weak or will not engage, then the parking brake cable may need to have its tension adjusted or may be stuck internally. If your parking brake cable has been damaged, O'Reilly Auto Parts carries replacement parking brake cables for most vehicles. A malfunctioning parking brake cable can be a safety hazard, preventing you from staying parked on steep or uneven surfaces, and should be replaced as soon as possible to ensure a safe, secure vehicle. When replacing the parking brake cable, it is recommended to also replace the parking brake lever bushings and any associated hardware, as well as to inspect the condition of the parking brake shoes and replace them if they are worn out. O'Reilly Auto Parts carries replacement parking brake cables and the tools you may need to get the job done right the first time, and are also happy to recommend