pumping the parking brake?

[LIMA BEAN]

I have never had a parking brake cable break,but I do not buy that there is no stretch before it breaks.I have not ever seen any wire that did not stretch some before it breaks.They(cable) are wire strands wound together to form wire rope.If they just break wouldn't the cable be brittle due to it's hardness?This might be a job for myth busters.Once I replace mine I will try to break the cables.I will measure before and after and see if they stretched.

Well I am sticking to my guns but on the other hand i like info. My knowledge is based on being around cable alot and chats with inspectors and my safety training. Basically as Lead Erection Man (chicks love that title) a part of my job is to ensure loads are rigged properly, rigging is used and stored properly and to recognize when it may have been comprimized or i visually see physical damage. Thats when i remove them from service and the job site on the spot, my call and when it comes to the safety of my crew I call quick. I hope this this thread continues based on the facts of real world research, lets edjacate ourselves and be civil.

 

[norcals91]

A stranded cable is gonna have the ability to stretch, maybe not much but it happens especially with a heavy engagement. I don't think this is the ops problem as much as it is friction in the brake sheath and the ratcheting effect explained above.

 

[JC 97]

I did some research.The bigger the diameter cable,the more stretch.the smaller the diameter the less stretch.There is still stretch.I agree this is not the OP's problem just sidetracked a little.

 

[holyford86]

93+ rangers have a tensioner in the parking brake assembly that preloads the cable so that's why there isn't a manual tensioner on the cable under the truck. You need to release this adjuster when replacing cables, and properly adjust the brakes, so the parking brake works right (and properly adjusted drums help reduce parking and service brake pedal travel). You only need to replace the cables when they get broken or jammed in the sheath. I've never seen parking brake cables get stretched any measurable amount, I have seen the crimped on ferrules pull off the ends of the cables though.