Ford Mustang Parking Brake Repair - How To Service Parking-Brake Cables

We called Bill Faull at Mustangs Plus to order everything needed to get our '66 Mustang back into some semblance of proper e-brake operation. Bill sent us the body cables, adjustment stud, return spring, parking-brake short cable, and all of the hardware necessary for installation. Garrett Marks at Mustangs, Etc. set us up with the used parts we needed.

With the short parking-brake cable out, we're ready to perform the cable swap. If your cable has expired, remove this retaining clip, which is at the bottom. If it's in good operating condition, we suggest a thorough cleanup with WD-40 and white grease. WD-40 offers corrosion protection and thins the white grease, which provides lubrication.

At the top of the cable, all you have to do is pry the legs apart to release. Don't lose the wave washer, as it prevents endplay.

The new cable from Mustangs Plus is unidirectional, which is a fancy term meaning it can be installed either way. Install the wave washer first.

This is the top of the cable at the driver's floorpan. Install the bracket as shown, seat it, and crimp tight.

The bottom bracket is retained with this clip by AMK Products, available at Mustangs, Etc.

These sheetmetal screws are included in the AMK Products' Chassis Hardware Kit. The high-carbon steel screws have been acid- washed for corrosion protection.

We're ready to install the handle mechanism at the driver-side floorpan. Use a 31/48-inch fuel or transmission cooler hose to bridge the gap between bracket and floorpan. If that's not appealing, consider a 71/416-inch vacuum hose. Seal around the hose at the floorpan with 3M's Strip-Caulk.

Underneath, the short parking-brake cable attaches at the transmission crossmember. Use the AMK screws for best results.