Author Topic: removing the backing plate for drum brakes - parking cable? (Read 3766 times)

red89diesel · « **on:** March 30, 2009, 12:34:23 pm »

Hello!

This is probably really simple, but I can't figure it out - Is there a simple way to take the parking cable out of the backing plate of the rear brakes on my mk2? Do I have to take the whole cable out of the car, or is there another easier way to get it off of the backing plate?

One of the bolts that is currently holding a faulty wheel cylinder in place is badly stripped I don't think I can remove it from the backing plate with my hand tools - I think I need to take the plate off and take it to a shop just to get the friggin bolt off....

Thanks!

madrogers · « **Reply #1 on:** March 30, 2009, 10:01:21 pm »

If you going to replace the wheel cylinder just take a drill and drill out the bolt from the back side it should be a allen key hole and self centering to drill out. good luck , Mark.

jtanguay · « **Reply #2 on:** March 30, 2009, 10:42:42 pm »

Quote from: "madrogers"

If you going to replace the wheel cylinder just take a drill and drill out the bolt from the back side it should be a allen key hole and self centering to drill out. good luck , Mark.

you can actually drill them out from the front as the mounting hole goes all the way through the wheel cylinder. last year i was about to do that but couldn't get the brake line off either... so this year i'll be doing that and just simply replacing the brake line as well (the wheel cylinder doesnt leak, but the other side did, which was removed so easily... the other side will be replaced simply because both wheel cylinders should be replaced at a time). i probably also need a new proportioning valve... it just never ends :roll:

red89diesel · « **Reply #3 on:** March 31, 2009, 06:01:27 am »

Quote from: "jtanguay"

...it just never ends :roll:

Haha - yes, very true. I got the bolt out! Thanks for the tips.

-Constance

burn_your_money · « **Reply #4 on:** March 31, 2009, 09:57:21 am »

To take the parking brake cable out you don't need to do anything with the rest of the brakes.

Just disconnect the end that hooks up to the shoes and push/pull the cable out the back of the backing plate. Sometimes they rust in place and gentle persuation from a hammer is needed.

fatmobile · « **Reply #5 on:** April 01, 2009, 10:51:59 pm »

That's a good tip;
drillinng the wheel cylinder bolts out from the front when they are siezed.

I took a cutoff wheel to the wheel cylinder once, cut through it and the bolt.
But drilling the bolts sounds easier.