What is the best kind of lubricant...

[DavidT]

to spray in on the ebrake cable? It is sticking like crazy! I can pry it to the fully released position, but it takes A LOT of prying.(I know this is only a temporary fix, but its worth a shot wink )

 

[Rich]

PB Blaster, I got mine at murray's.

 

[sdpatt]

I don't believe that PB Blaster is a lubricant. You may want to try a spray such as WD-40 to prevent rust and provide some lubrication. I would use my spray can of Mobil 1 synthetic lubricant.

 

[smcallis]

Doubtful that you'll get that ebrake cable to free up by spraying it. The corrosion that causes it to bind is in the jacket. Any lubricants just wont work their way in that far. Replacing the cable is probably your only way out.

 

[DavidT]

It is just the rear passenger. Should I replace both rears? Do you know the p/n? Also how can I be sure it is NOT the parking brake mechanism (or the spring assembly on the caliper?)

 

[smcallis]

You can verify its not the caliper mechanism pretty easily. Using a big screwdriver as a leverarm, try to get the ebrake actuator arm on the caliper to move (in the direction of the spring compression. If it rotates freely and returns on its own from the spring action, the caliper is fine and it's the cable. Replacing 1 or both is your choice. I personally would probably do both if one went bad.

Email Torrie at FPN and he can give you a p/n and probably the best price.

Do a search on replacing the cable or rear calipers. Those springs are a PITA. Some of the guys here have found techniques to deal with them.

 

[DavidT]

let me see if I follow you... What happens is
1. engage e brake
2. disengage e brake
3. Spring on rr caliper is still in engaged position
4. Use screwdriver as lever... it will let the spring rotate back (fully released) It has become increasingly hard to do. Best way to release the cable is to use an adjustable wrench and grab the very end of the cable (with a "cap" looking end), and pull back.
But the spring does not act like it is "compressed"
SO whats the verdict?

 

[smcallis]

Don't engage the ebrake. With the ebrake off, rotate the cam on the caliper (Compress the spring) and then let it go. If the caliper is functioning properly the spring should return the cam to the disengaged position. If it doesn't the caplier is f'd. If the cam moves smoothly and doesn't stick its the cable.