Replace the parking brake cables on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK with 3.6L V6 engine to restore proper parking brake function.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Parking brake cable assembly (left or right as needed) × 1 — Mopar 68088252AA (left) or 68088253AA (right)
• Cable retaining clips (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and place transmission in PARK (automatic) or 1st gear (manual)
2. Place wheel chocks firmly against FRONT wheels
3. Release parking brake lever fully inside vehicle
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear differential housing
6. Support vehicle on jack stands placed under frame rails behind rear wheels
7. Remove rear wheels completely
8. Spray all cable mounting points, clips, and fasteners with penetrating lubricant and allow 10-15 minutes to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Access parking brake cable at pedal/lever
   Inside the vehicle, locate the parking brake cable connection at the parking brake lever assembly (center console area). Remove the center console trim pieces as needed to access the cable equalizer and front cable connection. Note the cable routing through the floor pan grommet.
2. 2

   Disconnect cable at equalizer
   Locate the parking brake cable equalizer bracket under the vehicle near the transfer case. Using needle-nose pliers, compress the cable retainer clip where the cable housing meets the equalizer bracket and slide the cable housing out of the bracket. Then unhook the cable end from the equalizer lever. If replacing only one cable, note which position (left or right) it occupies on the equalizer.
   ⚠Cable may be under slight tension from return springs. Control the cable end to prevent it from snapping back.
3. 3

   Release cable from frame routing clips
   Follow the cable from the equalizer toward the rear axle. Remove or release all cable retaining clips along the frame rail and fuel tank area. The JK Wrangler typically has 3-4 clips holding each cable to the frame. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry clip tabs if needed. Keep track of clip locations for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Release cable from axle bracket
   At the rear axle, locate where the cable housing seats into the backing plate bracket behind the wheel hub. Compress the cable retainer tang using needle-nose pliers and push the cable housing forward out of the bracket. You may need to rotate the cable slightly to align the retainer tabs with the bracket slot.
5. 5

   Disconnect cable from brake actuator
   Through the backing plate access hole (or after removing the brake drum if equipped), locate the parking brake cable connection to the brake shoe actuator lever. Use needle-nose pliers to unhook the cable end ball from the actuator lever slot. On disc brake models, access the cable connection at the caliper-mounted actuator mechanism.
6. 6

   Remove old cable
   Pull the cable through all mounting points from rear to front, carefully threading it through the frame routing path. Remove the cable completely from the vehicle. Inspect all routing clips and grommets for damage and replace as needed.
7. 7

   Prepare and route new cable
   Compare new cable to old cable to verify correct part. Apply light coating of silicone-based cable lubricant to the cable where it passes through housing. Route the new cable from the equalizer area toward the rear axle, following the exact path of the original cable. Thread cable through all frame clips and brackets but do not fully seat clips yet.
8. 8

   Connect cable to brake actuator
   At the rear brake assembly, insert the cable end ball into the actuator lever slot. Ensure the connection is fully seated and secure. Pull gently on the cable to verify engagement.
9. 9

   Seat cable housing at axle bracket
   Push the cable housing into the backing plate bracket until the retainer tang clicks into place. Pull backward on the cable housing to confirm it is locked in the bracket and cannot be pulled out without compressing the retainer.
10. 10

    Secure cable to frame routing clips
    Working from rear to front, fully seat all cable retaining clips along the frame rail and fuel tank. Ensure cable routing does not contact exhaust components, driveshaft, or any sharp edges. Cable should have slight slack and not be pulled tight.
11. 11

    Connect cable to equalizer
    Insert the cable housing into the equalizer bracket until the retainer clip engages. Hook the cable end onto the equalizer lever in the correct position (same position as original cable). Verify the cable housing is locked in the bracket.
12. 12

    Adjust cable tension
    Inside the vehicle at the parking brake lever, locate the cable adjustment mechanism (typically a threaded adjuster at the equalizer or at the lever assembly). With parking brake released, adjust cable to remove excessive slack but without preloading the brake shoes. The rear wheels should rotate freely with parking brake released. Apply and release parking brake lever several times, then recheck adjustment.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheels just touch ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands and floor jack.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall center console trim pieces if removed during cable access
2. Verify all cable routing clips are fully engaged and cable does not contact any moving or hot components
3. Ensure cable has appropriate slack and is not binding at any point in its travel

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground and transmission in NEUTRAL (engine off), verify rear wheels rotate freely with parking brake fully released
• Apply parking brake lever 3-4 clicks and verify both rear wheels are locked and cannot be rotated by hand
• Apply parking brake fully and attempt to push vehicle - it should not roll
• On a safe, slight incline, engage parking brake and verify vehicle is held securely without rolling
• Release parking brake and verify dashboard warning light extinguishes
• Road test in a safe area and verify parking brake holds vehicle on a moderate slope
• If parking brake does not hold firmly or drags when released, readjust cable tension

More procedures for this vehicle