Hello.
I recently rebuilt both rear drums completely, and when I was finished the ebrake was working properly. Tested it to make sure it worked properly.
Then the other day, the cable broke when I put the p brake on. It came apart at the connector between the front cable and the mid-cable.

I bought a new mid cable with the connector on it. Also, the equalizer / adjuster was totally rusted and crusty, so I bought the exact same thing that was on the car so I would be able to adjust easily.
Upon install, there was too much slack from the front, and I realized that the cable had come off the pedal. I removed the pedal and fixed that. Then, I proceeded to install the cables and tighten the adjuster to about where it was.

However, when I depress the pedal, and release, the cable seems to have no tension. Its not pulling the pedal back up on release. So I by hand lift the pedal back into place. Now there is a bunch more slack in the cable. I can't seem to get it tight and it does not seem like the rear brakes are "pulling on the cable at all. I have not yet inspected the drums, so far I just replaced the mid cable and equalizer, since it was working before I figured it would be fine.

Any ideas on how to install the cable properly? I have not removed the rear drums yet, I will work on it again wednesday and pull both drums off. I figured I would ask for any tips or advice before I get to removing the rear drums. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Jeff

 

Your problem is probably in the control head
The spring inside the control head (pedal assembly)
Might have broken when the cable snapped or it dislodged the built in ratchet
Those control heads are made to take up slack from a stretched cable
Your control head may need to be replaced
You can see if it will try to take up slack by applying the brake, then holding the cable in the applied position while you release the park brake
That may allow the head to "work" and take up slack like it's supposed to
I am surprised your 98 even has a cable adjustment, most take up slack only in the control head

 

Thanks for the info.
To make sure I understand: You're saying the pedal itself has tension (a spring?) that pulls the pedal back to starting position?
SO if the cable was not connected, and I pushed the pedal down a few clicks, then push to release, it should come back up on its own, even if the cable was not attached?

The ratcheting on the pedal works. If I push it down it clicks and locks into place, and I have to push the pedal to release. I assumed the tension of the cable / brake springs was what pulled the pedal back into place.
I can pull the pedal off again and look at it. If its supposed to have tension to bring the pedal back to start position, then it might be broken because it doesn't return.

Going to pull the rums tonight just to more closely inspect the cables inside and if pulling on the cable operates the drum shoes as it should.

Thanks for the information, maybe I just need a new pedal.

 

I remember reading something about a pin / drill bit to hold something in place on the pedal. I did not do anything like that. The cable broke, and came out of the hole in the brake pedal assembly where the cable end goes. I had to remove the pedal and get the brake cable re-seated in the correct spot.

Is there some way to reset the control head and then pin it in place? Or do I just need to replace? You mention trying to pull on the cable while releasing the pedal so I will try that.

 

I believe all of the ones like yours have a spring internal to the control head
Correct, there is a place to install a pin or metal rod into the head when you pull the cable mechanism when replacing the front cable
Yes, there are return springs on both rear cable ends and the brake shoes. They all 3 work together tom return the cables and pedal

 

Thanks, appreciate the info makes sense. That must be the issue. I will try the process you mention, or just locate a replacement pedal if that doesnt fix it.