Parking Brake release handle cable broke

[Terrorizer]

Last night as I was releasing the parking brake the handle came off in my hand, I see the cable broke near the end and a metal nut and bolt fell to the ground, it looks like it used to be at the end of the cable. So now I have no parking brake.

How do I fix this? Do I need to buy a new cable or can I re use the one I have by wrapping it around the nut? i'm sure the cable is stretched out and weak from being so old. Is this a common problem with these cars or do I need to re adjust something so there is less tension on the cable?

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[sperold]

You can fix the one you have by bronzing the little do-dad at the end, back on the cable. I have done this and it is still working
Or you can get another one, if you have the time to go to the wreckers.
Very common issue. Anyone who lends out their SHO to another person usually has to perform this repair when it comes back.

 

[Terrorizer]

how hard is itr to replace?

 

[sperold]

I think it is just a matter of spinning the pressed steel nut at the location where it goes through the dash and the other end is an over-the-top fit on the mechanical lever. I Can't remember if you take the kick panel off as well. Anything you do down there requires standing on your head, so it is a bit aggravating.

 

[nc89sho]

FYI, these are common ford parts and available aftermarket.

 

[mrecoolgar]

You can still use the Ebrake.
And can release the Ebrake by using finger pressure on the lever where the cable attached to.
For replacing, there is a clip behind the dash that retains it to the dash.

 

[notbange]

Mine broke a year ago and I have been reaching under the dash to release it ever since. Keep meaning to get a new one but whatever. My 89 came with a shoe string tied to the release lever, just laying on the floor. One look at it and I knew exactly why it was there lol.

 

[jelloslug]

I took a small nut and bolt and attached it to the end of the cable when my old handle broke. It worked fine for a long. long time until I had a replacement to put in.

 

[ISHOU]

Dorman makes a replacement but I went to the pick and pull and grabbed a few. I'm certain they came out of a plain old Taurus, not a SHO specific part.

 

[Terrorizer]

I took a small nut and bolt and attached it to the end of the cable when my old handle broke. It worked fine for a long. long time until I had a replacement to put in.

So you just took the existing cable that broke and re-tied it around a nut and bolt? Did your cable break at the end that attaches to the lever near the floor or did it break where it connects to the handle?

I just want to make sure I understand you correctly. Re-tying it seems too easy of a fix, but if thats all it takes that would be great!