Best way to keep Parking Brake from seizing up?

[thomasakehoe]

Hi everyone I'm in the process of getting my 92 Ranger ready for a state inspection and as part of it I have to replace the parking brake cables as they have been seized since I got the truck. I don't use it, but inspection here in VT requires it be working so I'm going to install all new cables and also check and fix anything in the rear that needs attention shoes, hardware, hoses etc... I was just wondering if anyone has a good grease or other solution that will keep these things from rusting up solid. I've had a few Rangers now and they all seem to have the same issue with this. Thanks.

 

[Hawk1339]

I just replaced both rear cables on my 93, around $30 for the pair from Rock Auto. High quality Raybestos Professional Grade. Shipping to the Midwest (including a few other items) was under $15. These cables have the inner moving portion sheathed in plastic and should be more resistant to corrosion than the unsheathed variety.

 

[metalmacguyver]

Best preventative measure is making sure that the protective parts are actually where they need to be to prevent the cables from being chaffed. What happens is that the cables chaffe to the metal and then rust on the inside and the plastic coated inner cable does not have enough room to slide easily.

 

[Mark_88]

Ditto to that...some good quality cables come with a double outer layer of rubber insulation to help prevent that chaffiing...but around the spring at the back is a high wear area so make sure you protect that...maybe even tie it off to help keep it away from the movement of the spring...

I used to spray the cable with white lithium grease...after pulling it through the sheath as far as I could both ways...just replaced my cables but didn't do that this time...since the truck isn't going anywhere right now it's ok...but it's one thing you can do to help keep the cable moving freely...

Most cables have a spring inside the sheath...when that rusts up the cable binds to it...so applying the parking brake once in a while will also help to keep the cable freed up...or you can just reach down and yank on the cable from the driver's seat (as I had to do many times to free the old one)...

 

[pimtool]

The best thing you can do is USE IT.

 

[metalmacguyver]

The best thing you can do is USE IT.

I use mine every time I park and I still had one sieze up on me gradually getting harder and harder to release.