Q: Emergency brake was pushed too hard. Cable snapped at a rusty spot.

asked by on November 18, 2016

Someone inexperienced with the Emergency brake setup (floor pedal with separate release) pushed the pedal until the brake was fully engaged, the pedal was then pushed further down, all the way to the floor. The cable snapped between the junction of the first and second cable and the Y that splits off to the rear drums. The cable needs to be mended or replaced. Is there any way to do this without replacing the entire cable?

Emergency / Parking Brake Cable Replacement $109.53 - $689.63 Get a Quote

Hello there, parking brake cables will fail over time in your 1994 Chevrolet K1500. Over time the cable stretches and can break when the parking brake is applied. The parking brake cable is a safety feature and must be replaced as a unit. It is not possible to repair the cable as it has stretched and repairing the cable would shorten it. A qualified Technician such as one from YourMechanic will be able to determine how much of the parking brake cable will need to be replaced.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Brake pedal loses pressure
From the description provided, it appears that the symptoms are due to the leak in the brake system that you found in the rear passenger wheel. In order for your power brakes to work correctly, the engine needs to be...
Driver's seat broken
I would ask for help from one of the mechanics at YourMechanic. They will be able to diagnose your seat problem (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-seat-is-not-working-inspection) so that it can be fully functional again.
Engine seized...rods shot out both sides of engine block.
Hello. To answer your question, yes, the lack of an air filter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/air-filter-replacement) can cause catastrophic engine damage. Over time, the debris will build up inside of the engine as it mixes with air and other carbon contaminates. Eventually, it...
Where is the pats module located
Hello, thanks for writing in about your Ford Taurus. The PATS module is located on the steering column. It is located under the steering column covers behind the ignition key lock cylinder. If you need some help with this, consider...
My car sounds like a go cart upon acceleration and the Check Engine Light is on - possible problem with the catalytic converter
As you may know, the catalytic converter converts toxic unburnt fuel gases into less harmful gases that are released into the environment. When this is not working properly, these gases tend to back up in the exhaust system of your...
My car's air bag light is flashing with code 34
The airbag light code 34 means that there could be a poorly mated connector on the airbag sliding contact that may not push the shorting bars back into their fully retracted positions. There also could be a short across the...
Car starts but keeps dying
It sounds like you may have a dirty or faulty idle control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) or potentially a fuel pressure problem. The idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) monitors the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected...
Hello I have a 1989 Lincoln town car. My thermostat gauge goes up and down when i push the signal light switch when I roll the win
Hi there. What you are describing appears to be an electrical problem - perhaps caused by an exposed electrical wire, faulty switch or other electrical short. It would be a good idea to have a professional mechanic complete an electrical...
Knocking noise/rattle underneath my car when I accelerate about 2000rpm-3000rpm and stops after the trans shifts
It sounds like you may possibly have a broken motor mount. As you may know, motor mounts (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-mount-replacement) are steel mounted brackets that secure the motor and transmission to the chassis of the vehicle. They have rubber internals in them...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche
Few Few vehicles are as distinctive as the Chevrolet Avalanche. Part SUV, part truck, the Avalanche is actually surprisingly practical. On the inside, it feels more like a Chevy Tahoe, except when you look out your rearview mirror, you’ll notice...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Chevrolet Volt
Whether Whether you’re concerned about the environment or just want a vehicle that allows you to use less gas, the 2012 Chevrolet Volt might be just right for you. Designed to run entirely via an electric current, this electric hybrid...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a General Contractor
If If you're a general contractor, you probably aren’t in the market for a used car. More likely, you’re looking for a pickup truck, because you need to haul equipment and supplies to various job sites. Most contractors will likely...