Parking Brake Cable

Replace the parking brake cable assembly on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including removal of rear wheels, brake caliper components for access, cable routing through chassis, and adjustment of the parking brake system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Parking brake cable assembly (left and/or right) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and place transmission in first gear (manual).
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels.
3. Ensure parking brake handle is fully released (down position).
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground.
5. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear lift point.
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands positioned at rear subframe or axle mounting points.
7. Remove both rear wheels completely.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access parking brake cable at rear caliper
   Locate the parking brake cable connection at the rear brake assembly on the side being replaced. The cable connects to a parking brake actuating lever at the backing plate (drum-in-hat parking brake system). Spray penetrating lubricant on the cable end fitting and lever pivot if corrosion is present. Allow to soak for several minutes if needed.
2. 2

   Disconnect cable from caliper lever
   Using needle-nose pliers, compress the cable end fitting retaining clip and slide the cable end out of the caliper lever arm slot. The cable has a barrel-type end fitting that seats in the lever. Once the retaining clip is released, rotate the cable to align the barrel with the slot opening and remove. Note the routing and orientation for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove cable from caliper bracket
   Locate the cable housing retention bracket on the caliper or backing plate. This bracket holds the cable housing and prevents it from moving during application. Remove the retaining clip or fastener securing the cable housing to the bracket. On the Viper, this is typically a metal clip that slides off or a single fastener. Remove the cable housing from the bracket.
4. 4

   Release cable from chassis mounting points
   Follow the parking brake cable forward along the chassis. The cable is secured to the underside of the vehicle by cable routing clips or brackets at multiple points. Remove 3-4 cable retaining clips along the inner rocker panel and rear subframe area by prying them off with a flathead screwdriver or releasing their fasteners. Note the exact routing path and clip locations for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Access cable connection point at intermediate cable junction
   Locate the cable junction point where the rear cable meets the intermediate cable coming from the parking brake handle. This is typically located near the center tunnel or front of the rear subframe. The junction uses a cable equalizer or direct connection fitting. Clean the area of debris to clearly see the connection mechanism.
6. 6

   Disconnect rear cable from intermediate cable
   At the cable junction, disconnect the rear cable from the intermediate cable or equalizer. This typically involves removing a retaining clip and sliding the cable end out of the equalizer arm, similar to the caliper connection. Use needle-nose pliers to compress any retaining clips. If an equalizer is present, note that both rear cables connect to it - disconnect only the side being replaced unless replacing both.
7. 7

   Remove cable from vehicle
   With all connection points and routing clips released, pull the parking brake cable rearward and out from under the vehicle. The cable may be routed through chassis brackets or holes - carefully thread it back through these routing points. Inspect the cable path for any additional clips or mounting points that may have been missed.
8. 8

   Prepare new cable for installation
   Remove new parking brake cable from packaging. Compare length and end fittings to the old cable to verify correct part. Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the cable end barrel fittings (not to threaded areas or brake components). Do not apply lubricant to the cable housing or outer sheath.
9. 9

   Route new cable through chassis
   Starting from the cable junction point near the center of the vehicle, route the new parking brake cable rearward along the same path as the original. Thread the cable through any chassis brackets or routing holes. Work the cable toward the rear wheel, following the exact path documented during removal. Ensure the cable is not twisted and lies flat against mounting surfaces.
10. 10

    Secure cable to chassis mounting points
    Install all cable routing clips and brackets along the chassis in the locations noted during removal. Ensure clips are fully seated and secure. The cable should be supported at regular intervals without excessive slack, but should not be under tension at this point. Verify the cable moves freely when pulled by hand.
11. 11

    Connect cable to intermediate cable junction
    At the cable junction point, connect the rear cable end to the intermediate cable or equalizer arm. Insert the cable barrel end into the slot on the equalizer lever and install the retaining clip to lock it in place. Ensure the cable is fully seated and the clip is properly engaged. Tug on the cable to verify secure connection.
12. 12

    Connect cable to caliper bracket and lever
    At the rear brake, insert the cable housing into the backing plate/actuator bracket and install the retaining clip or fastener to secure it. Then connect the cable end fitting to the parking brake shoe actuating lever behind the backing plate, seating the barrel fitting fully. Install the cable end retaining clip and verify the cable is fully seated. The cable should move the actuating lever smoothly when pulled.
13. 13

    Install rear wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheels just touch the ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque wheel lug nuts to the factory-specified value (verify OEM spec for 2008 Viper, approximately 100 ft-lb) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle to ground and remove jack stands and chocks.
14. 14

    Adjust parking brake
    Inside the vehicle, pull the parking brake handle up and count the clicks. The parking brake should engage within the factory-specified handle travel/click range for the 2008 Viper (verify OEM spec, commonly 4-6 clicks). If adjustment is needed, access the parking brake adjustment mechanism at the handle assembly or at the equalizer junction point under the vehicle. Adjust the cable tension by turning the adjustment nut until proper engagement is achieved. After adjustment, apply and release the parking brake several times to seat the cables.

Reassembly

1. Wheel installation torque: 100 ft-lb in star pattern (verify with vehicle manufacturer specifications)
2. Ensure all cable routing clips are installed in original locations to prevent cable chafing
3. Cable housing must be secured in all brackets to prevent movement during brake application
4. Verify no interference between parking brake cable and exhaust system, suspension components, or driveshaft

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground and transmission in neutral, verify parking brake holds vehicle securely when applied
• Parking brake handle should engage with proper number of clicks (typically 4-6) and release fully
• After releasing parking brake, verify rear wheels rotate freely with no drag from parking brake
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area and verify service brakes operate normally
• Apply parking brake while stopped and verify it holds vehicle on a slight incline
• Verify parking brake warning light on instrument cluster illuminates when handle is pulled and extinguishes when released
• Inspect cable routing under vehicle to ensure no contact with exhaust or moving components

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