Parking Brake Cable

This procedure replaces the parking brake cable(s) on the rear axle of a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, restoring proper parking brake function.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Parking brake cable assembly (specify left, right, or intermediate) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cable retaining clips × 1 — Often included with cable
• Cable bracket hardware if corroded × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and place transmission in Park
2. Chock both front wheels securely with wheel chocks
3. Ensure parking brake pedal is fully released (up position)
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at frame rail jacking points
6. Remove both rear wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on cable mounting hardware and allow 15-20 minutes to penetrate
8. Take detailed photos of cable routing from under vehicle for reinstallation reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Access parking brake cable at pedal assembly
   Inside the vehicle, remove the driver's side lower dash panel or trim as needed to access the parking brake pedal assembly. Locate the cable connection point at the pedal mechanism. Note the cable routing through the firewall grommet.
2. 2

   Disconnect cable at equalizer
   Under the vehicle near the front of the rear axle, locate the parking brake cable equalizer (a bracket where the front cable splits into left and right cables). Note the equalizer nut position or measure cable exposure for reference during adjustment. Loosen and remove the equalizer nut. Disconnect the front cable from the equalizer assembly and note how the left and right cables connect.
   ⚠Mark or measure the equalizer nut position before removal to establish a baseline for adjustment during reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove cable retaining clips along frame
   Follow the parking brake cable(s) from the equalizer toward the rear axle. Using needle nose pliers, release all retaining clips that secure the cable to the frame rails, crossmember, and fuel tank shields. On this vehicle, cables typically route along the inside of the frame rail. Remove clips carefully to avoid breaking plastic retainers.
4. 4

   Disconnect cable from rear brake assembly
   At the rear brake assembly (drum-in-hat style inside rear rotor), remove the brake rotor if necessary to access the parking brake shoes. Compress the cable spring using pliers and disconnect the cable end from the parking brake actuator lever. Remove the cable from the backing plate by depressing the retaining tangs and pulling the cable housing through the backing plate.
   ⚠The parking brake cable spring is under tension. Control the cable end when disconnecting to prevent it from snapping back.
5. 5

   Remove cable bracket fasteners
   Locate and remove all cable bracket bolts along the cable routing path. These brackets secure the cable to the frame, axle, and crossmember. Use a wire brush to clean bolt threads if corroded. Keep track of bracket locations and orientations for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove cable from vehicle
   Carefully extract the parking brake cable from the vehicle, following the routing path in reverse. Pay attention to any grommets through the frame or body panels. If replacing the front cable, disconnect it from inside the cab at the pedal assembly by releasing the cable end from the pedal mechanism and removing the cable and grommet from the firewall.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting points and clean surfaces
   Inspect all cable mounting brackets, clips, and the backing plate cable opening for damage or excessive corrosion. Clean the cable routing channels on the frame with a wire brush. Spray brake cleaner on the backing plate cable hole and equalizer assembly. Replace any damaged brackets or clips.
8. 8

   Route new cable through vehicle
   Route the new parking brake cable following the exact path of the original cable, using your reference photos. Ensure the cable does not contact the exhaust system, driveshaft, or any sharp edges. Install any frame grommets or firewall grommets in their proper positions. The cable should have smooth bends without kinks or excessive tension points.
   ⚠Verify minimum 25mm (1 inch) clearance between cable and exhaust components to prevent heat damage to cable housing.
9. 9

   Connect cable at rear brake assembly
   Insert the cable housing through the backing plate until the retaining tangs fully engage and lock the cable in position. Connect the cable end to the parking brake actuator lever. Verify the cable moves freely and the lever returns to the rest position when released. Reinstall the brake rotor if it was removed.
10. 10

    Install cable brackets and clips
    Install all cable bracket bolts along the routing path, securing the cable to the frame, axle, and crossmember. Torque bracket bolts to specification. Install all retaining clips to secure the cable to the frame rails and crossmember. Ensure the cable is properly supported and cannot chafe against any components.
    Torque spec

    Bracket Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect cable at equalizer
    Connect the cable(s) to the equalizer assembly. Thread the equalizer nut onto the cable rod to approximately the same position as noted during removal. Do not fully tighten yet - final adjustment will be performed after verification.
12. 12

    Adjust parking brake cable tension
    Turn the equalizer nut to adjust cable tension. The rear wheels should rotate freely with the parking brake pedal fully released. Apply and release the parking brake pedal several times. Adjust the equalizer nut until the rear wheels lock when the parking brake pedal is applied 3-5 clicks and rotate freely when released. Once proper adjustment is achieved, torque the equalizer nut to specification while maintaining the adjustment position.
    ⚠Improper adjustment can result in either insufficient parking brake holding force or rear brake drag. Both conditions are safety hazards.
    Torque spec

    Equalizer Nut15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both rear wheels. Thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern but do not fully torque yet. Lower the vehicle from jack stands until tires just contact the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands and jack.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all cable brackets are torqued to specification and all retaining clips are fully seated
2. Verify the parking brake cable has proper clearance from exhaust, driveshaft, and suspension components throughout full suspension travel
3. If the front cable was replaced, ensure the firewall grommet is properly seated to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the cabin
4. Reinstall any interior trim panels or dash components that were removed for access

Verification

• With the vehicle on level ground and transmission in Park, verify both rear wheels rotate freely with parking brake released
• Apply parking brake pedal 3-5 clicks and verify both rear wheels are locked and cannot be rotated by hand
• Attempt to push the vehicle with parking brake applied - it should not roll
• Release parking brake and verify pedal returns fully to the up position and both rear wheels rotate freely without dragging
• Test drive vehicle at low speed (under 8 km/h) in a safe area and verify no brake drag or unusual noise from rear brakes
• Perform a parking brake hold test on an incline: with parking brake set, place transmission in Neutral and verify vehicle does not roll
• Re-check equalizer nut torque after test and verify it has not loosened
• If parking brake performance is not satisfactory after proper adjustment, consult a professional mechanic immediately

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle