I recently replaced the front parking brake cable on my 87 pickup. However the ball at the end of the cable that is seated in the handle assembly keeps falling out when I turn the handle from inside the cab, even with the bracket in place at the firewall. Would too much tension on the cable cause this? Or is there something else I am doing wrong? Thanks a lot!

 

Something is not right. Been a while since I replaced a cable but it is difficult to get out when it is installed right and cannot come out.

 

With both ends of the cable attached it is impossible to come out.

The intermediate lever is attached to the rear cable??

Because the tension on the cable keeps it away from where the cable goes into the handle

Like Terry said if it still falls out you have something wrong

 

I got curious as to how to replace the cable. I think what you have going on is the two silver tabs may be letting the handle go to far down to let the slug come out of the rod. I removed the sensor to let the rod com further down. Not sure if you really need to do that when replacing the cable.

My Pointer finger is on the silver tabs, my Thumb is on the notch that is to keep it from sliding to far down.


Between the silver tabs up by the handle, I would think the sensor would keep it from coming out as well. When the rod is inside the sleeve, there is no way for it to come out at all. Even in this picture it would not slide far enough down to let the slug out.


To get the slug out of the rod, you have to push the silver tabs to the handle to let past the notch to let the rod slide far enough out to get the slug loose.
I took the sensor off to let it slide further down, may not be needed to be done.

 

Hi, yes, I think you've nailed it. I am able to pull the handle all the way out, so the tabs must not be set correctly. Can you tell me how to insert the handle into the sleeve and set the tabs the right way? Thanks again - I really appreciate it! I've been messing with this thing for a long time and can't seem to get it right!

 

Hi Terrys87,

I may have solved my problem. I have been pushing the handle all the way down (past the last notch) in order to expose the slot when connecting the cable slug at the firewall end, then I was fastening the bracket with the rod pushed all the way through the sleeve. That is why the slug kept popping out. This time however, I tried seating the slug then pushing the end of the rod back through the firewall a little (toward the cab). After tightening down the bracket it seems like things are working and the cable/slug is staying intact. If you have any more insight I would be happy to hear it just in case I am still missing something! Thanks again

 

Those two solver tabs are to catch the notch to keep it from letting you push the handle down that far, I would see if they are operating like they should be, they do get alot of dust or gummed up that they may not be catching the notch.

Check to see if your parking brake sensor bracket is at a 90 degree angle. I wonder if it has some how gotten bent toward the firewall.

 

Back to the drawing board...I jumped in the truck today and pulled the handle and right away the cable came free. I checked the tabs with the handle assembly removed from the dash and they seem to be working fine - nothing wrong with the springs, etc. I just can't figure this out. There seems to be play in the handle - it twists easily in the sleeve and doesn't automatically "ratchet" when I pull it. I took it to a local mechanic and he took a look at it and couldn't figure it out either. I have a spare handle assembly so I tried that one too but I get the same result. I'm tempted to take it to a Toyota dealer and see what their mechanics think but I don't want to get stuck with a ridiculous bill!

 

The new cable is around the pulley where it goes out the firewall.

Did this ever work??

The spring tension should keep the cable from coming out.

There should always be a slight tension on the cable.

I wonder if you got the wrong cable??

 

Hi, yes, the cable is around the pulley. I bought the cable from Village Toyota parts - gave them my VIN, etc. I assume its the correct part? I might have an old spare front cable I can try and see if that works. Thanks a lot.

 

Just where are you in Central Ny

I get up to Elmira from time to time.

I just can`t figure out what is wrong There is not all that much slack in the cable .

I always hooked the cab side first then to the intermediate lever almost impossible the other way around.

 

Fly Creek - just north of Cooperstown. I will try the spare cable I have and start from the cab. Thanks for the advice - I will let you know how I make out.

 

Thanks again Terrys87 and Wyoming9 for the help. I am going to conclude that the aftermarket cable I bought from Village Toyota is the culprit. Something just isn't right with it even though it looks to be the right size etc. That slug just won't stay seated in the handle despite all the handle assembly parts intact and working fine.

 

No problem on the help, with the slug in the rod, and the notch up by the handle along with the sensor, it looks nearly impossible for it to come out to me. I know I have to get the rod to slide as far down as possible to get the slug out.

Here is a view of the slug in the rod.


With the sensor removed, the lever that actuates the sensor is almost touching the bracket that holds the sensor. Along with the sensor and the notch, that should keep it from coming to far out, I too am suspecting your after market replacement cable.

 

Hmmm...I don't see a lever on my handle. I see a hole on the side where it looks like there should be a pin. I've attached a picture. Is this the problem?

 

That bracket in your picture is what holds the Parking Brake Sensor, the lever in my picture is what shuts off your parking brake light when it is against the sensor.
In my picture below, you will see the part of the Parking Brake Sensor box that is to be mounted in the bracket.

 

Seems I am missing the "Parking Brake Plunge Pin" which is part #4611420010. Would you agree? And without that pin, the handle is twisting in the sleeve thus allowing the slug to come free....

 

I think that could be your problem.

Was the emergency brake light on all the time??

Then it is just really bad luck that allows the cable end to fall out..

 

I agree you are missing the sensor and the lever that contacts your sensor. I think if you got those items replaced, that would solve your slug from coming out of the rod. I would of thought that the silver tabs up by handle would keep that from happening as well but maybe it would not or did not.

 

I have the sensor which I will re-attach, but I need to get the pin. No, the light wasn't on because the previous owner had disconnected the wiring.

Funny thing is the original handle in my truck is missing the pin. I bought a complete handle assembly from YotaYard recently to have as a spare and it turns out that one is also missing the pin! It wasn't until I saw Terrys87's picture that I realized there should be a pin to keep the handle from twisting, etc. What a fiasco! I will get the pin but do you guys know what holds it in place? Does it snap in? Thanks again for all your patience and help!