Hey there,
Tomorrow I'll get the driver's side cable for parking brake. The cable is connected to the front section by a metal retainer (clamp). Any tip how to deal with the retainer?

 

My question kinda resolved when I got the spare cable. It comes with a new bracket, that means to be crimped. I said "kinda resolved" as by mistake I've ordered a 2D one, that is about 5" too short. $50 wasted.

 

Three weeks later the parking brake problems came back
I got a new cable, that fits 4WD. Partially. The length seems OK, but the "O" clip at the hub is way to thin to put the trigger through. And, what is important, this one came without a new bracket that connects the links together.
The one I've get is a Dorman made in Columbia, the one I had before was Dorman made in Turkey.
I got it assembled, but the cables seem to slacky. I may push the park brake pedal to the bottom, still brakes do not apply. How do I shorten the main cable (around 1")?

 

The brakes are not holding even after adjusting the the shoes?

 

That's right. The main cable is just picking the slack when You apply the brake. It is dangling too much when pedal is disengaged. I think I shall get the cable between equalizer and a cabin mechanism shortened for about 1".

 

Come on, any ideas? Or shall I make a few knots on the cable...?

 

Hmmmm. Yeah that does not sound right. I remember when I was struggling with mine and was so confused that I could not get the brakes to hold even though I had taken up all of the slack in the cable. That is when I tore into the brakes themselves and discovered the adjusters. That you still have slack in the system AFTER adjusting the parking brake shoes is puzzling. I hate to suggest it but I'd do a double check on the shoe adjustment.

Good Luck

 

Something like this might work. https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...3006/5014557-P

The hook goes through the body the other way.

 

Long time ago I've noticed the parking brake is not holding. I put that on the account of a worn off shoes - while doing a rear caliper job I found them in a really poor condition. So, I've started with the shoe replacement, I got the parking brake assembly cleaned and greased. Then I've adjusted a maximum possible size that yet allows putting the rotor in. I was surprised the design does not come with a self-adjusting mechanism. Later on I found the left cable bend/rusted and completely stuck.

I think my problem lays within the poor quality control of Dorman cables. They supply 2WD cable made in Turkey with a connecting bracket, while the 4WD made in Colombia comes without it. They probably cut uneven length pieces - a bit more here and there...
I would check the shoes adjusters, but I have a visible slack of the cable.

From the info that Les posted, I assume there is no other length adjusting mechanism except the equalizer (aka balancer) bracket. That's odd. I thought there must be something at the handle mechanism. I think I'll redesign the connecting bracket, as I am not keen on hooking another -probably rattling - equipment.

Thank You two for the posts, now I know where I stand.
Brgds, Mike

 

When I installed a new parking brake earlier this year I was able to tighten it using the cable equalizer that hooks the rear cable to the front cable. On my Blazer it's located on the driver's side between the two doors underneath.