my e-brake cable broke. right at the end of that ratchet rod, on the interior of the vehicle. anybody had this happen? where is the cheapest place to get one?

 

I haven't had any luck finding one other than at the dealership. Aftermarket places sell the two seperate rear ones that go to the rear brakes, but not the front cable that goes into the cab. I'd also like to know if anybody makes the front one aftermarket.

 

Mine broke about a year ago. I got my new cable from the dealership here. Bout 40 bucks.

The install is actually really really easy. I put it off and put it off and then finally one day I did it and it took maybe half an hour. You might need a pair of pliers or something to help, I don't remember how it links up at the Y at the back of the truck. Other than that, it is just routing the new cable where the old one was. The hardest parts for me were routing it over the transmission, because theres a little set of "Arms" that hold the cable and you can't see up in there to get a visual. And also once you get the cable inside of the truck getting the little button on the end of it to go into the handle is kind of weird. I had to twist the handle to pry open that rod/ratchet to get the little button in it's spot. Very easy job really, just look at where the old cable goes and replace it with new cable.

 

mine just did this the other day (22 degress out) i got one from the toyota dealer

 

I noticed a similar issue after buying the vehicle that the cable is disconnected from the handle inside the cab. In order to have full coverage insurance on through AAA in Minnesota they need to inspect the vehicle which to my knowledge would be: Manual transmission w/o e-brake = fail.

Tonight (1/26/10) I'll take a closer look to see if I can attach a cable end crimp from a hardware store that is similar size to what used to be there. If anyone has a picture of this or knows what size cable end, this will save me some time.

I'll post pictures of the before/during/after pending the resolution.

 

The end at the handle is similar to motorcycle cables (about 1/4" steel cylinder moulded into the cable). The likelyhood of patching is pretty slim. The cable comes in 2 parts upper and lower connected by a pivot arm around the passenger seat area underneath the truck. If you need it for inspection purposes you'd better check to make sure the pivot arms aren't seized at the brake drums. Fairly common issue. I've had to buy both over the years and Toyota was the only place I could find them.

 

I found the front cable a while back at www.rockauto.com

 

I got mine at advance auto...and it comes with a warranty...

 

I got mine at Autozone for 24.99 part# C9636. They had to order it though. Hope this helps.

 

and they are great quality too..Identical to factory..

 

I ordered mine through napa about 40 bucks. It was broke at the exact same place... make sure you specify that you need the front part that attaches to the handle assembly, the first time they brought me the rear portion.

x2 on checking the pivots on the rear drums. Mine were completely seized up. I had to remove both drums and use brake clean and a pry bar to get them going again.

 

Thanks to all your responses. A pliers and vice grips engages the brake and thankfully without seizing. However this will remain temporary parking on flat surfaces ONLY until the part arrives. Below is what was found thanks to Palmer_df0130's specific response:



The grand total is 32.57 USD Shipped Ground to my home. Detailed installation instructions will accompany illustrations as I install the part in 3-5 business days

 

nice! have fun with the 2 little clasps above the tranny!

 

LoL Dont really need detailed install instructions, it's quite easy to install

They all break at the handle, the cable gets snagged in the tube, bunches, freys.. over time.. snap-a-roo.

My second OEM Toyota cable just broke a few months ago, and im pretty stolked i just saw that autozone carries them! Hell yes! ...

I have T-case break, the return spring fell off on the trail, only took like two times of pushing the brake lever in to frey the cable, lasted like a month before it finally snapped. With T-case brakes you really gotta PULL HARD to get a good grip. So...