This procedure covers removal and replacement of the parking brake cables on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins diesel, including rear cable and equalizer adjustment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Parking brake cable assembly (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification - Mopar 68088532AA (left) or 68088533AA (right)
• Parking brake cable equalizer (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cable retaining clips (as needed) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and place transmission in Park
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Verify parking brake pedal is fully released
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground
5. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at differential or frame-mounted lift points
6. Secure vehicle on jack stands positioned at frame rails behind rear axle
7. Remove both rear wheels completely
8. Spray all cable bracket mounting points and equalizer connections with penetrating oil, allow 10 minutes to soak
9. Inspect parking brake system to identify which cable(s) require replacement (left, right, or both)

Procedure

1. 1

   Access and release parking brake equalizer
   Locate the parking brake cable equalizer on the frame rail near the rear axle. The equalizer connects the front cable from the pedal to both rear cables. Using a wrench, carefully loosen the equalizer nut while supporting the cable assembly. Note the position and number of threads engaged for reference during reinstallation. Once loose, disconnect both rear cables from the equalizer by sliding them out of the equalizer bracket.
   ⚠Equalizer may be under slight tension. Control cable release to prevent sudden movement.
   Torque spec

   Equalizer Nut15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect cable from rear brake caliper/rotor assembly
   At the rear wheel hub, locate where the parking brake cable connects to the parking brake actuator lever on the brake caliper assembly. Use pliers to compress the cable retaining clip and remove it from the backing plate or caliper bracket. Disconnect the cable end from the parking brake lever by rotating the lever forward and unhooking the cable end fitting. Note the routing and position of any cable guides or brackets.
3. 3

   Remove cable bracket mounting bolts along frame
   Trace the parking brake cable from the wheel assembly forward along the frame rail to the equalizer. Identify all cable bracket mounting points (typically 2-3 brackets per cable). Using appropriate socket, remove the cable bracket bolts securing the cable to the frame rail and axle housing. Keep track of bolt locations as some may be different lengths. Remove any retaining clips securing the cable to the frame or crossmember.
   ℹ️Take photos of cable routing before removal to ensure correct reinstallation path.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts137 Nm (101 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Extract cable through frame brackets and guides
   Carefully work the cable assembly rearward and out of any frame-mounted guides or clips. The cable passes through several frame brackets and may route over or under the rear axle depending on side. Gently manipulate the cable to free it from all mounting points. If cable is seized in brackets, use penetrating oil and carefully pry or twist to free. Remove the complete cable assembly from the vehicle.
5. 5

   Clean and inspect mounting points
   With cable removed, use wire brush to clean all bracket mounting surfaces on the frame rail and rear axle. Inspect all brackets for damage, excessive rust, or deformation. Clean the equalizer connection point and threads with brake parts cleaner. Inspect the parking brake actuator lever at the caliper for free movement and proper return spring function. Replace any damaged brackets or hardware.
6. 6

   Route new parking brake cable
   Begin installation by routing the new cable from the rear wheel assembly forward toward the equalizer, following the exact path of the original cable. Ensure cable passes through all frame brackets and guides in correct sequence. The cable should route without kinks, sharp bends, or contact with exhaust components, driveshaft, or suspension parts. Verify minimum 25mm (1 inch) clearance from exhaust and rotating components throughout full suspension travel.
   ⚠Incorrect cable routing can cause premature wear or failure. Verify clearance from all moving and hot components.
7. 7

   Install cable bracket bolts
   Working from rear to front, position the cable in each bracket along the frame rail and rear axle housing. Install and hand-tighten all cable bracket bolts. Verify cable sits properly in each bracket without twisting or binding. Once all brackets are positioned, torque the cable bracket bolts to specification in sequence from the wheel end toward the equalizer end. This ensures proper cable tension distribution.
   ℹ️VERIFY SEQUENCE: Torque brackets in order from rear wheel toward equalizer to maintain proper cable routing.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts137 Nm (101 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Connect cable to brake caliper actuator
   At the rear wheel, hook the cable end fitting onto the parking brake actuator lever on the caliper. Ensure the cable end is fully seated in the lever slot. Route the cable housing through the backing plate or caliper bracket mount. Install the cable retaining clip by compressing it and inserting it into the bracket until it clicks and locks the cable housing in place. Verify the cable cannot pull free from the bracket.
9. 9

   Connect cable to equalizer
   Insert the forward end of the cable into the equalizer bracket. Ensure the cable seats fully in the equalizer slot. If replacing both cables, install both at this time ensuring equal slack on both sides. Install the equalizer nut and thread it onto the equalizer rod to approximately the same position noted during removal. Do not fully tighten at this time as adjustment will be required.
10. 10

    Adjust parking brake cable tension
    With cables connected, adjust the equalizer nut to set proper parking brake tension. Rotate the rear wheels to ensure they spin freely with no drag. From inside the vehicle, depress the parking brake pedal fully and count the clicks (should be 4-8 clicks for proper adjustment). If clicks are too few, loosen equalizer nut slightly. If too many or wheels don't lock, tighten equalizer nut. Once proper adjustment is achieved (wheels lock at 4-8 clicks and release completely), torque the equalizer nut to specification while holding the equalizer rod stationary.
    ⚠Proper tension adjustment is critical. Over-tightening causes brake drag and premature wear. Under-tightening results in inadequate parking brake holding force.
    Torque spec

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

    Install wheels and perform final checks
    Reinstall both rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Torque lug nuts again in star pattern to final specification to ensure proper seating. Remove wheel chocks from front wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all cable bracket bolts are torqued to specification and no brackets are loose
2. Confirm cables have proper clearance from exhaust, driveshaft, and suspension throughout full range of motion
3. Ensure cable retaining clips at calipers are fully seated and secure
4. Double-check wheel lug nut torque after vehicle is fully lowered

Verification

• With engine off and transmission in Neutral, attempt to roll vehicle forward on level ground - it should roll freely
• Apply parking brake pedal firmly and count clicks (should engage within 4-8 clicks)
• With parking brake engaged, attempt to roll vehicle - it should be completely locked and immovable
• Release parking brake pedal fully and verify indicator light on dash turns off
• Raise rear of vehicle safely and spin both rear wheels by hand - they should rotate freely with no binding or drag
• Test drive vehicle at low speed (under 15 mph in safe area) and verify no unusual noises from rear brakes
• Perform final parking brake test on an incline: park facing uphill, release service brake, engage parking brake - vehicle must not roll
• If any verification step fails, DO NOT operate vehicle - repeat adjustment procedure or seek professional service

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