Parking Brake Cable

Replacement of the rear parking brake cable assembly on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, including removal of old cable and installation of new cable with proper routing and adjustment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Parking brake cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent for 1970 AMC Rebel rear cable
• Cable retaining clips × 2 — Replace if damaged during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and place transmission in Park (automatic) or first gear (manual)
2. Chock front wheels securely with wheel chocks
3. Raise rear of vehicle using jack and support securely on jack stands at rear axle or frame contact points
4. Remove both rear wheels for improved access to brake assemblies
5. Apply penetrating oil to all visible cable mounting hardware and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Release parking brake tension
   From inside vehicle, release the parking brake lever completely. Locate the cable equalizer under the vehicle near the front of the rear axle. Loosen the adjustment nut on the equalizer using a 1/2 inch wrench until all tension is removed from the cable system.
2. 2

   Disconnect cable at equalizer
   Remove the adjustment nut completely from the equalizer threaded rod. Disconnect the cable from the equalizer bracket by removing the cable end from the equalizer yoke. Note the routing of the cable for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove cable frame clips
   Follow the cable from the equalizer toward the rear axle. Remove all retaining clips that secure the cable to the frame rail and axle housing using pliers or a flathead screwdriver. The Rebel typically has 2-3 clips along the frame. Note clip locations for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Access rear brake assembly driver side
   At the driver side rear wheel, identify where the parking brake cable enters the brake backing plate. Use a 13mm socket to remove the cable retaining clip or bracket from the backing plate. On some assemblies, you may need to compress the cable housing retainer tabs to release it from the backing plate.
5. 5

   Disconnect cable from brake lever
   Through the brake drum opening (or after removing drum if necessary), locate the parking brake lever inside the brake assembly. Disconnect the cable end from the parking brake lever arm by unhooking the cable loop from the lever. You may need to use pliers to compress a retaining clip or simply unhook the cable depending on design.
6. 6

   Remove cable from passenger side
   Repeat the disconnection process on the passenger side rear brake assembly. Remove the cable retaining clip from the backing plate and disconnect the cable end from the parking brake lever arm inside the brake assembly.
7. 7

   Remove complete cable assembly
   With all connections released, carefully pull the cable assembly rearward and downward to remove it from the vehicle. The cable routes from the equalizer, along the frame, and splits to both rear brake assemblies. Remove the entire assembly as one unit.
8. 8

   Clean mounting points
   Use a wire brush to clean all cable mounting locations on the frame, backing plates, and equalizer bracket. Remove rust, dirt, and old cable debris. Spray mounting holes and brackets with brake cleaner and allow to dry. This ensures smooth cable operation.
9. 9

   Route new cable assembly
   Begin routing the new parking brake cable from the rear forward to the equalizer. Follow the same path as the original cable, ensuring it does not contact the exhaust system, driveshaft, or any sharp edges. The cable should route along the driver side frame rail with adequate clearance from moving components.
10. 10

    Connect cable to rear brakes
    At each rear brake assembly, insert the cable housing through the backing plate until the retainer tabs or clip locks into place. Connect the cable end to the parking brake lever arm inside each brake assembly, ensuring the cable loop is fully seated on the lever.
11. 11

    Install cable retaining clips
    Install all cable retaining clips along the frame rail and axle housing in their original locations. Ensure clips are securely fastened and the cable is held firmly but not kinked or pinched. The cable should have minimal lateral movement when properly secured.
12. 12

    Connect cable to equalizer
    Route the cable end through the equalizer bracket and connect it to the equalizer yoke. Thread the adjustment nut onto the equalizer rod but do not tighten yet. Leave approximately 1/2 inch of threads exposed beyond the nut for adjustment.
13. 13

    Adjust parking brake
    With the parking brake lever released, turn the equalizer adjustment nut using a 1/2 inch wrench to take up slack in the cable. The proper adjustment allows the parking brake lever to engage with 3-5 clicks of travel. The rear wheels should drag slightly when the brake is applied 3 clicks and lock firmly at full application.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both rear wheels and torque lug nuts to factory specification in a star pattern
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove wheel chocks
3. Test parking brake adjustment and readjust if necessary

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground and transmission in neutral, apply parking brake 3-5 clicks. Vehicle should not roll when parking brake is engaged
• Release parking brake completely and verify rear wheels rotate freely with no drag
• Drive vehicle forward and backward on level ground, then apply parking brake to verify it holds the vehicle securely on a slight incline
• Visually inspect cable routing to confirm no interference with driveshaft, exhaust, or suspension components during full suspension travel
• If parking brake does not hold vehicle or requires excessive lever travel, readjust cable at equalizer

More procedures for this vehicle