Suggestions: E-brake cables will not let go!

[Guest Anonymous]

I posted a similar request a week or so ago and received some good ideas but still no luck. I decided to replace my e-brake cables while we were restoring the rear drums (installing new "used" backing plates b/c existing adjusters were frozen. We have removed the hubs and backing plates at this point). Anyway, the problem I am having is that where the "fixed" outer cable tubing meets the metal flange on the cable (about 12-14" or so inboard of the backing plate) the cable refuses to let go. Per suggestions I received on my previous post, I've tried pulling on it while bracing my feet inside the wheel well using vice grips and PB blaster without success. I then spent close to two hours yesterday under the car hammering from behind the flange (where it meets the fixed outer cable) and again no luck. I would hate to have to replace the whole "works" . . . any and all suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

[Guest Anonymous]

had this happen to me several years ago--I even hooked the brake end of the cable to a comealong, the comealong to a fence post and actually dragged the car backwards about six inches before the cable snapped. Ended up having to cut the tubes loose from the body, excract the cable and weld tubes back on! What apparently happens is the plastic coating on the steel cables gets crumbly and when you try to remove the cable, it wads up inside the tube. You might try heating the tubes (carefully) with a torch and extract the cables while the plastic is soft/melted...

good luck

Mike

[Guest Anonymous]

this explains a lot. Using a come-along (or similar) was something I was considering. One of the welds is already broken thanks to my hammer/chisel work with a screwdriver. I think that I will just go ahead and remove the tube and then re-attach it. Question: once the welds are broken, are there any other tips you have on removing the tubes based on your experience?

[Guest Anonymous]

After calling a friend who had a torch and taking a long hard look at how difficult it was going to be to remove the welded e-brake cable tubes, I redoubled my efforts with vice grips, hammer, and screwdriver. After an additional couple of hours I managed to extract one of the cables. I tackled the other one (this time grasping the flange part first instead of pulling on the cable itself) and after much work managed to work it free as well. By the way, you were right on with your assessment of the plastic sleeve being a prime culprit--it was all crumpled up inside against the flange just like you thought. Thanks again for your help!

[Guest Anonymous]

(nt)

[Guest Anonymous]

(nt)