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Broken Parking Brake cable inside drum - F250 1990 HD

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  #16  
Old 06-19-2017, 11:18 AM
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Originally Posted by HardScrabble
DUH. My transmission has a park position. I don't need no stinkin' parkin' brake.
YOUR transmission does. Doesn't mean ALL transmissions do. I haven't had a vehicle with a transmission with a Park position in 35 years.
 
  #17  
Old 06-19-2017, 12:03 PM
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Originally Posted by HardScrabble

DUH. My transmission has a park position. I don't need no stinkin' parkin' brake.
Put the shift lever into park before setting the parking brake (if it's set at all) will cause the truck to roll...just enough...that the parking pawl inside the trans will lock up.

When this occurs, the shift lever has to be yanked out of park, and sooner or later, the pawl breaks.
 
  #18  
Old 06-19-2017, 03:03 PM
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That was sarcasm. "DUH" was the clue.
 
  #19  
Old 06-19-2017, 06:56 PM
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If I remember correctly, Ford did use cables for brakes in 36/37, but that was obviously short lived. My grandfather bought a 1934 Ford BB in 1941 that has mechanical brakes. I would estimate the truck weighs at least 6000# empty. That truck stops quite well considering there are only metal rods actuating the brakes.

Red
 
  #20  
Old 06-19-2017, 07:21 PM
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Originally Posted by NumberDummy
1939 was the first year that FoMoCo vehicles came with hydraulic aka 'juice' brakes.
Prior to 1939, the brakes were mechanical, controlled by adjustable rods.
 
  #21  
Old 06-19-2017, 07:39 PM
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Originally Posted by NumberDummy
Prior to 1939, the brakes were mechanical, controlled by adjustable rods.
"The security of steel, from pedal to wheel."

One thing about mechanical brakes, they can sit for 30 years and work fine. Not so with juice brakes...
 
  #22  
Old 06-19-2017, 11:00 PM
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Originally Posted by madpogue
That's because it IS a parking brake. The manufacturers specifically call it a parking brake because they don't want people to get the impression that it's an emergency brake. A true emergency brake would (1) operate on all four wheels, and (2) not hold position like the parking brake (i.e. it would release when the user releases pressure). The fact that the parking brake locks in position, along with the fact that it's mechanical and not hydraulic, is what makes it a parking brake.

Back to the OP - why is everything wet? Did you just lube it with something? If not, you may have a hydraulic leak back there. As said, would be best just to get a complete rear drum hardware kit and replace it all. Some kits come with that cable and some don't. You'll need to see a pic of the kit you're ordering to be sure. Do ONE side at a time, so you have the other for visual reference.

And as said above, look into a possible wheel cylinder leak.
Hey just a quick note here for you - I did just spray brake cleaner on everything prior to taking the pics.. so it's not something to be concerned about.. that said however.. the piston on the driver side IS leaking... there's a lot of moisture on that side - zero on the passenger side.

I was able to disengage what was left of the 'parking brake' .. which was definitely grabbing. Whatever caused the cable to snap kept it engaged. Now the truck doesn't grab .. so at least that part of the issue has been resolved.. now to go ahead and replace all the cables etc.. the shoes are actually in good shape so I'm not going to replace those at this time.

Thanks everyone for your input!!

Cheers
Tyler
 
  #23  
Old 06-21-2017, 08:32 AM
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You can buy the cable separately for 5 bucks or so.
 
  #24  
Old 06-21-2017, 11:35 AM
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I have bought whole parts kits for less than $2. rockauto
 
  #25  
Old 06-21-2017, 11:44 AM
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Originally Posted by madpogue
That's because it IS a parking brake. The manufacturers specifically call it a parking brake because they don't want people to get the impression that it's an emergency brake. A true emergency brake would (1) operate on all four wheels, and (2) not hold position like the parking brake (i.e. it would release when the user releases pressure). The fact that the parking brake locks in position, along with the fact that it's mechanical and not hydraulic, is what makes it a parking brake.
If you hold the release handle in your hand the brakes do not lock. You should practice this and be comfortable with it.

If it is the only option to stop a crash it is an emergency brake. If you use it improperly it can cause a crash.

I think you are missing the point.

Maintain your "parking brake" like your life depends on it. It might be the only thing that can save you someday in an emergency.

Don't think it is not important because it is sometimes called a "parking brake". Don't get lazy and ignore its upkeep because it is sometimes called a "parking brake".

The legal dept and the bean counters can't risk lawsuits. They call it a "parking brake" so you can't blame them for your stupidity if you crash.

It is a parking brake when you want a parking brake. I use it to take the load off my transmission in park like was mentioned above.
 
  #26  
Old 06-21-2017, 04:50 PM
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So, with one hand on the release, one hand on the shifter, how do I steer?.....

Um, you maintain it BECAUSE it's a parking brake.

Agreed, the mfr's are doing CYA, not wanting to call it an emergency brake. But if that were ever its expected function, it would operate the FRONT brakes, which do 80% of the stopping.
 
  #27  
Old 06-21-2017, 09:12 PM
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Had a SAAB with front "parking brakes". It was cool cause it would stop straight in the snow and ice by using the hand brake. Drove in an ice storm once with cars off both sides of the Interstate for miles. We made it home ok. These days they would close the road.
 
  #28  
Old 06-22-2017, 12:17 AM
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Originally Posted by HardScrabble
I have bought whole parts kits for less than $2. rockauto
I'm happy for you! I paid 5 bucks and had it in 15 minutes...
Post a link to the kit for 2 dollars....
 
  #29  
Old 06-29-2017, 05:48 AM
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This is a link to all of the discount parts for my truck.

Wholesale Closeout Parts : 1991 FORD F-250 7.5L V8

This link will work for any vehicle if you change the carcode. Or click the RSS symbol in the parts catalog to go to discount parts. It looks like spark plugs $0.65, wires and front end parts are good today. Watch the little truck symbol to save on shipping. I have a box of spares I order as extras with little or no shipping increase. Go to "my account" for discount codes.
 
  #30  
Old 06-29-2017, 05:53 AM
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Years ago an old guy was telling me about how the brake rods would stretch over time and they had to shorten them.

If you have a handbrake learn to grab it without looking and with your thumb on the button so it doesn't lock when you apply it, for emergencies, or stunts, or to snuff the brake lights.

Stunt cars have separate front and rear brakes to slide the car in chase scenes and such.
 


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