The emergency brake cables were replaced on my /94 lumina only 4 years ago. In fact, the cables themselves are in great shape. ( I was charged $100 plus labour for two rear cables at that time)
There's only one snag. the single adjustment nut, located about halfway up on the drivers side has a long threaded shaft and nut, but the threaded shaft is rusted out completely and the nut is hardly recognizable. Even if it could be turned, it would just crumble the threaded shaft.
Had this one small part of the e.brake cables been greased, it would be like new, and still adjustable. Go to your cars, and grease that thing, because otherwise you will be forced to buy a whole new cable.
My emergency brake is non-functional and can't be tightened, because of this Achilles' Heel.
There is no other easy place where some slack could be safely removed the required amount to make them work.
I may try to add another bracket and take my chances, because its a scarey thought that if the hydraulics failed I'd have no brakes at all.
Inspect your emergency brake lines, they're right under the driver's door. If that bolt/nut is dry and rusting, take some quick preventative action now (cover them with grease), and test your Emergency Brakes.
I hope you avoid my dilemma.
Photo 1: showing nut rusted on and rusted so much it wont fit wrench:
View from other side, showing that there is no usable thread left on the part which would have tightened the brakeline to take up slack:
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09-12-2008, 05:16 PM
