Hand brake cable problems

[silverbandit91]

I have a 97 escort lx. Rear drums.
My left hand brake cable snapped so I put in a new one. But now when I pull on the e-brake, it only brakes on the left side. I tried to tighten the adjusting nut (under the center console) enough for the right brakes to work but when I do that, the left wheel stays locked even when the handbrake is off. Is there a way to adjust the left and right cables individually?

[Davescort97]

Welcome to Automotive Forums. The parking brake control runs from the single cable at the front to the parking brake equalizer that the 2 rear cables attatch to. The equalizer is supposed to pivot until both sides of the rear brakes engage equally. There is no cable adjustment for the left and right sides.. I would spray the cables and conduits on the right side with some penetrating oil. Spray the parking brake equalizer also. Some rust, damage or fraying of the cable on the right side could keep it from taking hold.

If the above doesn't change anything take your rear drums off and manually adjust the brake shoes. The parking brake cables go into the adjusters for the rear brakes. Try to adjust both rear shoes so that they lightly contact the drums. If the right and left sides aren't adjusted equally it may be more that the equalizer can compensate for.There is always the possibility the left cable is shorter than the right cable. (fairly remote)

Lastly, make sure the parking brake return spring is hooked up.

[mightymoose_22]

Are you certain you did the procedure correctly? It has been awhile, but I believe you are supposed to roll backwards a bit and hit the brakes to get the pads in the right position... then adjust the pbrake handle so that it snugs up with 7 clicks.

I suppose if you start out by not rolling backward and hitting the brake the shoes are left out of position and throws off any adjustment you might do.

It would also be important to double check and make sure that the new cable was installed correctly.

[Arnoldtheskier]

Sounds like the right cable is seized. The left just went..so the right is not far behind. If the right cable is seized then when you pull on the brake all you are doing is pulling the left cable. Trying to tighten up the right cable only pulls the left cable until where you are right now: Left brake is actuated and too tight. Beware when trying to free up parking cables! Soaking them in p.oil etc. Watch them carefully! IF/when they become free..they can stick..and sometimes do begin to apply the brake..on one side. Sometimes while you are driving. Or the next morning when you head out.And you can't release it. Been there done that..a few times over the years. Not fun. Sometimes the p.oil will free the cable but the inner cable is so rusty and dry that it starts to fray and break. As the cable then tries to release.. the broken ends of the inner cable drive into the inside of the outer cable like barbs. Off with the drum and free it up is then the only way home. Generally..when one or both cables get bad..off with all the cables. Off with the rear brakes. Drums,linings,springs,parking brake adjusters. Clean everything up and lube it.

[silverbandit91]

I did not do the procedure. Ill try that