My parking brake doesn't engage so I took it to a mechanic. He pointed out the cable is rusted and broken and needs replacement. I have a couple questions:

1. When I called the auto parts stores, they mentioned a right and a left cable. Makes sense. But their prices are high so I went to RockAuto.com. However, RockAuto has an "intermediate cable" listed. What cable is that, and does it need to be replaced too?

2. Since he will be opening the drum brakes to connect the new cables, would it be wise to get a drum brake hardware kit and have him replace the brake hardware? Or would you say go all out with a shoe kit? Or just not worry about that at all? I was thinking it would share labor cost since he would already be in there and I could get more work done for less.

1999 Ford Ranger 3.0 4wd ext. Cab XLT 5MT

 

If I had to take my drum brakes apart, I would do a mustang rear disc brake swap, but since you're paying something else to do it.. I would say yes.. replace the hardware, inspect the drums and shoes and replace if necessary... meaning, buy them, but if they look fine.. just don't have him install them and return them to the store.. or keep them for later.

 

What is the "intermediate cable"?

 

As far as I knew there was one cable, driver side drum. I believe mine is a two piece wire. Halfway back under the cab there is a bracket attached to the front cable and a ball or similar attached to the end of the rear line then it goes into the brake drum.

I could be wrong about all being 2 piece and I know someone will correct me. As for intermediate maybe you have what I do and that is what one half of that setup is called.

 

so you're saying only ONE wheel is operated by the parking brake? That's odd.

 

Again, I could be wrong,

 

Mine is a 2 piece.. whether or not it's only on one side.. not sure. I'd have to crawl under there.

 

I don't kno how they'd make it to the passenger side without issues or running into whatever. Gas tank, frame, drivetrain, exhaust. The parking brake is just to stop the vehicle in slow speed from rolling. It doesn't even contact the whole drum. Just the bottom edge of the shoe makes contact to the drum.

 

I had the mechanic use a hardware kit. I also can confirm there are parking brakes on each side. The intermediate cable runs from the pedal to the part where the cables branch off.