Author Topic: Parking Break Cable (Read 4838 times)

jasonsansfleece · « **on:** August 25, 2008, 04:46:14 am »

Can these strech over time?

I have an 85 Golf, the cables max adjusted, the hubs cleaned, lubed etc. No joy.

Then because of noisy wheel bearing I swapped in a complete hub/break assembly from a 91 jetta. Every thing only 4K old, checked and lubed. Still not working.

Probaly the cable but before I buy new ones, the 91Jetta has larger drums than the 85Golf. The on line parts stores show different part#s for each.

Could someone confirm wether the cables are same/different and/or which one would work,

Thanks
Guy

Dakotakid · « **Reply #1 on:** August 25, 2008, 09:06:19 pm »

Due to financial constraints ( nice way to say chronically broke) I have played this game of mix and match. However, I always exchanged the backing plate as well. Did you fail to do this???

I switched out a 92 Jetta rear brake on an '86 Golf.

I sincerely doubt that these cables stretch under any sort of normal conditions (including rust). I have had them break though.

fatmobile · « **Reply #2 on:** August 25, 2008, 11:12:02 pm »

I did some work on my '91 Golf rear drums awhile back.
The e-brake cables were frayed inside the drum area, they wouldn't let the cables return so they didn't have the full range of movement.

Side note: At the salvage yard I saw a set of new brake shoes and bearings in the trunk of an Audi 4000. Couldn't pass up the $2 deal and they looked like they would fit a Rabbit.
They didn't fit the Rabbit but they fit the big drums on the rear of the Golf.

jasonsansfleece · « **Reply #3 on:** August 26, 2008, 06:33:33 pm »

Backing plate swapped.
I guess I'll check in side the drums one more time and if nothings amiss then its new cables.

jtanguay · « **Reply #4 on:** August 26, 2008, 07:53:05 pm »

my driver's side cable broke on me recently... aaaaaaaargh!! but it gives me a good reason to switch over to disc brakes in the back

silvertdi · « **Reply #5 on:** August 28, 2008, 08:07:24 pm »

One of my cables jumped the cam at the base of the emergency brake lever, rendering the e-brake useless. I replaced the cables, but when I started taking it apart, immediately saw what the issue was and could have saved some $$$. Perhaps that's the problem.