Can't get front brake cable and new rear cables to meet

[Fairlaniac]

I replaced my rear brake cables on my '93 Ranger 4x4 with 10" brakes. Rock Auto didn't have both in the same brand so I got a WAGNER BC14344 left cable and RAYBESTOS BC94740 right cable. After replacing them and hooking the right cable into the connector and passing the left cable through the connector. The cable barrel is falling short of meeting the front cable barrel by three inches or so, with a new front connector. I took a picture before I tore it all apart and it's obvious the original left cable "stick out" was longer by an inch or two, maybe stretch difference? I have pulled the front cable and can feel spring tension as I pull. It hits a positive stop and won't pull no more. I'm not sure if the left cable is too short or the front is not coming out all the way? The barrel on the end of the front cable at the parking brake pedal is about the 9:00 position in the adjuster when pulled. I'm not sure if it needs to unwind some more? Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

If you have adjusters for your parking brakes you might back them off to get it hooked up and then adjust them so they work correctly after the cables are connected.

 

[Fairlaniac]

I recently installed new shoes, wheel cylinders and hardware. So if I back the adjusters off they are only going to go about 1/8" to 1/4". This will put the threaded sleeve against the star-wheel. A 1/4" isn't going to move the cable out another two-three inches to meet the connector? Am I missing something?

Thank you!

 

[dvdswan]

are you talking about this connection area?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Our trucks are a lot different.

I had to back the adjusters out on my parking brakes (1996 Explorer disk brakes) so the cables would reach. I have weird/neat vice grip that has a rounded section in the jaws that grabs the cable great but doesn't smash it for more grip too. With the vice grips I could get a couple more inches of pull out of that cable but be careful not to hurt the cable.

But again, my drum parking brakes are a lot different than yours so your results may vary...

 

[Curious Hound]

Our trucks are a lot different.

I had to back the adjusters out on my parking brakes (1996 Explorer disk brakes) so the cables would reach. I have weird/neat vice grip that has a rounded section in the jaws that grabs the cable great but doesn't smash it for more grip too. With the vice grips I could get a couple more inches of pull out of that cable but be careful not to hurt the cable.

But again, my drum parking brakes are a lot different than yours so your results may vary...

How about a picture of those vice grips when you get a chance, please.

 

[Curious Hound]

3" is a lot. You don't have the pedal pushed down. Do you?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

How about a picture of those vice grips when you get a chance, please.

 

[dvdswan]

I've seen one before just couldn't think of a use for it.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I forgot why I got it, works good for this.

 

[Curious Hound]

View attachment 57171

View attachment 57170

View attachment 57169

Aaahh. Those. I got it. Thought maybe you had something with a profile that cradled the cable better.

Thanks.

 

[Curious Hound]

I've seen one before just couldn't think of a use for it.

I think they are meant for grabbing hex nuts and bolts. They make contact on 3 sides instead of 2.

 

[55trucker]

The *LW* is short for ....Locking Wrench, *7* is the size

If memory serves the auto adjust mechanism is in the pedal assembly, one has to have tension on the front cable under the vehicle to fully retract the cable when the pedal release is pulled.

 

[Fairlaniac]

are you talking about this connection area?

View attachment 57161

Mine is exactly like that. Off the left side of the picture is the connector. I cannot get the front cable barrel and rear cable barrel together. I have almost a 3" gap to close up until they'll slip into the connector. I don't know if the right cable is too short? I did a quick comparison on length, not precise but they were close so I installed them. When I tug on the front cable from relaxed I can pull it out about 1-1/2". Still not enough to connect.
Thanks,

 

[Shadowrider6661]

This may sound stupid, but I couldn't find any cables to fix mine, so I took a 1/8" steel rod and welded a steel ball on one end, then welded an extra cable connector to the other to add the length needed. I also installed a small turnbuckle to the cable for extra adjustability. I did this over 10 years ago and its still working. Another "Random Thought " I seem to always get.