Parking Brake Cable

Replace the parking brake cable assembly on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including removal of the rear wheels, brake drums or rotors (depending on configuration), cable routing hardware, and adjustment of the new cable for proper parking brake function.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Parking brake cable assembly (complete) × 1 — Use OEM specification or Mopar equivalent
• Cable mounting clips/retainers × 1 — Inspect and replace as needed

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground. Place transmission in Park (automatic) or 1st gear (manual).
2. Release the parking brake lever/pedal fully.
3. Place wheel chocks securely in front of both front wheels.
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts approximately 1/2 turn while vehicle is on the ground.
5. Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the rear differential or designated jacking points.
6. Place jack stands under the rear axle or frame rails at designated support points. Lower vehicle onto stands.
7. Remove both rear wheels completely.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access parking brake mechanism
   Inspect the rear brake configuration. The 1992 Viper uses rear disc brakes; verify the parking brake mechanism type (drum-in-hat inside the rotor hat versus a caliper-integrated actuating lever) against factory service documentation before proceeding, as the disassembly steps differ significantly. Remove the brake caliper by removing the two caliper mounting bolts. Support the caliper with wire or a bungee cord—do not let it hang by the brake hose. Remove the brake rotor by removing any retaining screws (if present) and sliding the rotor off the hub. If the rotor is stuck, use penetrating oil and light tapping with a rubber mallet. Note: Socket set (metric)
2. 2

   Disconnect parking brake cable at wheel
   With the rotor removed, you will see the internal parking brake shoes and the cable connection. Remove the cable from the parking brake actuating lever. This typically involves compressing a spring clip or removing a retaining clip with needle-nose pliers, then unhooking the cable end from the lever. Note the exact routing and connection method for reinstallation. Repeat this process on both rear wheels.
3. 3

   Remove cable from backing plate and trailing arm
   Trace the parking brake cable from the backing plate forward. Remove any cable mounting brackets or clips that secure the cable to the trailing arm or chassis. These are typically held by bolts or spring clips. Note the exact position and quantity of all mounting hardware for reinstallation. If bolts secure brackets, remove them and retain all hardware.
   Torque spec

   Cable Bracket Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access cable equalizer under vehicle
   Move to the center underside of the vehicle. Locate the parking brake cable equalizer assembly, typically positioned near the transmission or forward of the rear axle. The equalizer is where the left and right cables meet the main cable from the parking brake lever. You may need to remove a heat shield or protective cover to access this area.
5. 5

   Disconnect cables at equalizer
   At the equalizer, loosen the equalizer adjustment nut completely. This nut controls cable tension and must be fully backed off. Once loose, disconnect both rear cables from the equalizer by removing retaining clips or sliding the cable ends out of their mounts. Note the routing path and any intermediate clips or guides that hold the cables along the chassis.
   Torque spec

   Equalizer Nut9 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove cables from vehicle
   Pull both rear parking brake cables through their mounting points and out from under the vehicle. Inspect the cable routing path carefully, noting any clips, grommets, or brackets that the cable passes through. If the cables pass through the frame or body, ensure you remove any retaining hardware that prevents cable withdrawal. Remove both left and right cables completely.
7. 7

   Inspect and prepare new cable
   Compare the new parking brake cable assembly to the old cables to verify correct length, end fittings, and routing hardware. Inspect all mounting brackets and clips removed from the old cable; replace any that are damaged, corroded, or have weakened spring tension. Apply a light coat of appropriate cable lubricant (dry graphite or brake-specific cable lube) to the new cable if it is not pre-lubricated.
8. 8

   Install new cables along chassis
   Route the new parking brake cables from the equalizer area back to each rear wheel, following the exact path noted during removal. Install all cable mounting brackets and clips in their original positions, securing them with bolts where applicable. Ensure the cable is not kinked, twisted, or in contact with any sharp edges, exhaust components, or rotating driveline parts. The cable must have adequate slack to allow for suspension travel without binding.
   Torque spec

   Cable Bracket Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect cables at equalizer
   At the equalizer assembly, connect both rear cable ends to the equalizer mechanism per the factory routing. Install any retaining clips or fasteners. Thread the equalizer adjustment nut onto the threaded rod but do not tighten it yet—leave it loose for later adjustment.
10. 10

    Connect cables at rear brakes
    At each rear wheel, route the parking brake cable through the backing plate and connect the cable end to the parking brake actuating lever inside the drum/rotor hat area. Secure the cable with the spring clip or retaining hardware, ensuring a solid connection. Verify that the cable is properly seated and the parking brake shoes can move freely.
11. 11

    Reinstall brake rotors and calipers
    Reinstall the brake rotor on each rear hub, securing with any retaining screws if originally equipped. Remove the caliper from its supporting wire and position it over the rotor. Install the caliper mounting bolts and torque to specification. Ensure brake pads are properly positioned and the caliper slides freely.
12. 12

    Adjust parking brake cable tension
    From under the vehicle at the equalizer, adjust the equalizer nut to tension the parking brake cables. The typical procedure is to tighten the nut until there is slight drag when rotating the rear wheels by hand, then back off the nut 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Verify that both rear wheels rotate freely with the parking brake released. When the parking brake lever is applied, both wheels should lock firmly within the number of clicks specified in the factory service manual; adjust cable tension to achieve full engagement within that range. Adjust as necessary and torque the equalizer nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Equalizer Nut9 Nm (7 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to approximately half of the factory-specified final torque with the vehicle still on jack stands; verify the final lug nut torque specification (typically near 100 lb-ft for this vehicle) against factory documentation. Raise the vehicle slightly off the jack stands, remove the stands, and lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle on the ground, torque the lug nuts to final specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the main procedure steps, following the reverse order of disassembly.
2. Ensure all cable mounting brackets and clips are securely fastened to prevent cable movement or chafing.
3. Verify cable routing does not interfere with suspension components, exhaust system, or driveline during full suspension travel.

Verification

• With the vehicle on level ground and the transmission in Neutral (engine off), release the parking brake completely. Both rear wheels should rotate freely by hand with no drag.
• Apply the parking brake lever firmly. Both rear wheels should be locked and immovable. The lever should engage within 3-5 clicks.
• Drive the vehicle slowly in a safe area and apply the parking brake while moving at 5 mph or less to verify it engages both sides evenly without pulling to one side.
• Park on a moderate incline (if safely available) with the transmission in Park/gear and verify the parking brake alone holds the vehicle without rolling.
• Inspect under the vehicle after the test drive to ensure no cables are hanging loose, dragging, or in contact with hot exhaust components.

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