Unhooking the parking brake (e-brake)

[berrywise]

I sat down to try and install new pads and rotors on my '02 P5 yesterday and I got stuck when I got to the e-brake. I cannot for the life of me pull hard enough on the e-brake wire to unhook it from the u-hook like thing.

I can't really tell enough from these pictures if I'm doing it right. I unhooked the c-clip that is just a bit in front of the u-hook but that didn't seem to do much. I tried unhooking the spring that is right below the u-hook but that doesn't seem to do much.

Am I missing the idea here? Am I just a weakling?

 

[dwpeek]

You moght want to check for a tentioner adjustment. I'm just throwin that out there. Not sure if there is one.

 

[MakeMeGoFast]

u need to take the clip off that holds the cable to the strut(the clip your thumb is on in the picture). That will give you some play to pull it off the U thingy.

 

[Reitrof]

u need to take the clip off that holds the cable to the strut(the clip your thumb is on in the picture). That will give you some play to pull it off the U thingy.

If it is still too tight, then loosen the handbrake adjuster in the console.

 

[Action Jackson]

You can slip a screwdriver through that clip and use it as leverage too.

 

[Magus]

Look at the picture, ok good. Right where the thumb is is where the action is. Take the clip off with a screw driver (flat head). Then side the cable in this location outwards and backwards. Once you do this right it will side out and give you slack. At this point you should have enough slack to take the T end piece out of the holder on the bracket. I hope that helps, it's pretty simple once you know this extra step.

 

[Dpwhitehead1]

i don't want to make you feel dumb..but.. you don't have your ebrake pulled....do you? then it def..won't work..

 

[berrywise]

i don't want to make you feel dumb..but.. you don't have your ebrake pulled....do you? then it def..won't work..

I won't lie at first I did and it was really tight. But then I recalled I had it on and undid it but still no go. Today I have the day off so I'm gonna heat up the garage and give it another go. Thanks for all the help everyone!

 

[Magus]

Hey it does generally help to make sure the brake is not engaged

Just remember what I told you, it will help alot!

 

[berrywise]

Forgot to log on and say thanks to everyone for the advice. It really helped to have better light this time around as I was totally able to see what I was doing wrong.

Magus you were spot on, a little back and forth wiggling and it came right off.

Of course the rotors that Carquest sold me were totally not the right ones (they were twice as thick) and the pads I'm question now as well so I might be back in the garage again for my third time taking the damn wheels off. (crazy)