Parking Brake Cable

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the parking brake cable assembly on a 2007 Ram 3500 with 5.9L Cummins diesel engine and 4WD, ensuring proper emergency brake function.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Parking brake cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent Mopar cable
• Cable retaining clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and place transmission in PARK (automatic) or 1st gear (manual)
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Release the parking brake pedal fully
4. Raise vehicle using a lift or appropriate floor jack, ensuring secure support on jack stands at all four corners
5. Remove both rear wheels using 13/16-inch socket or lug wrench
6. Apply penetrating oil to all visible cable mounting hardware and allow 10-15 minutes to soak
7. Inspect cable routing and take photos for reference during reinstallation

Procedure

1. 1

   Access rear brake drums
   The 2007 Ram 3500 uses a full-floating rear axle where the drum is integral to the hub. To access the parking brake shoes, remove the axle shaft bolts and axle shaft, then remove the wheel bearing locknut(s) and slide the hub/drum assembly off the spindle. Clean brake dust using brake parts cleaner in a well-ventilated area. If drums are stuck, use two appropriately-sized bolts threaded into the drum puller holes. Clean brake dust using brake parts cleaner in a well-ventilated area.
2. 2

   Disconnect cable from brake shoe assembly
   Locate the parking brake cable connection at the rear of the brake shoe assembly. Use needle nose pliers to compress the cable spring and unhook the cable end from the parking brake lever arm on the brake shoe. Note the cable routing through the backing plate for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove cable from backing plate
   Using standard pliers, compress the retaining fingers on the cable housing where it passes through the brake backing plate. Push the cable housing forward through the backing plate from the rear to release it. If severely corroded, carefully work it back and forth while applying penetrating oil.
4. 4

   Remove frame rail mounting brackets
   Trace the cable forward along the frame rail. Remove the cable from each mounting bracket or clip along the frame. Most clips are push-in style and can be released with a flat screwdriver or by hand. For bolted brackets, use a 13mm or 15mm socket as appropriate. Keep track of all hardware.
5. 5

   Disconnect cable at equalizer
   Locate the parking brake cable equalizer, typically found near the center of the vehicle under the frame. The rear cables connect to the equalizer/tensioner. Note that this vehicle may use an automatic tensioner mechanism rather than a manual adjuster nut; if so, relieve and lock the tensioner spring before disconnecting the cable end from the equalizer. Verify the adjustment method for your specific vehicle. Note the routing and position of the equalizer for adjustment during reassembly.
6. 6

   Remove cable from vehicle
   Carefully pull the entire cable assembly from the vehicle, noting any additional mounting points or clips. Remove the cable from any crossmember pass-throughs or heat shield brackets. Inspect all mounting hardware and replace any damaged clips or brackets.
7. 7

   Prepare and route new cable
   Compare the new cable to the old cable to verify correct part. Begin routing the new cable from the equalizer end, following the exact path of the original cable. Feed the cable through frame brackets, crossmember holes, and along the frame rail to the rear axle. Ensure the cable does not contact the exhaust system or driveshaft at any point.
8. 8

   Install cable through backing plate
   Insert the cable housing through the brake backing plate hole from the front side. Push until the retaining fingers on the cable housing snap into place on the back side of the backing plate. Verify the cable is fully seated and cannot be pulled back through the plate.
9. 9

   Connect cable to brake shoes
   Hook the cable end onto the parking brake lever arm on the brake shoe assembly. Ensure the cable is properly seated and the spring tension is holding it in place. Verify the lever moves freely and returns to the rest position.
10. 10

    Secure cable mounting brackets
    Working from the rear axle forward, secure the cable in all frame rail mounting brackets and clips. Ensure the cable has proper routing with no sharp bends or contact with moving parts, exhaust, or driveshaft. Install any bolted brackets and torque to the manufacturer's specification. Consult the FSM for the correct value for your specific vehicle, as it is not verified here.
11. 11

    Connect cable at equalizer
    Attach the cable end to the equalizer bar. Thread the adjuster nut onto the cable but do not adjust yet. Ensure both rear cables (if replacing both sides) are connected symmetrically to the equalizer. The equalizer should be level and centered.
12. 12

    Adjust parking brake cable
    With the parking brake pedal fully released, adjust the cable at the equalizer. Turn the adjuster nut clockwise to take up slack until there is minimal free play in the cable but the rear wheels still rotate freely. Adjust to the manufacturer's specified pedal travel; verify the correct click/travel count against the FSM for your specific vehicle. Fine-tune adjustment after test driving.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall brake drums, ensuring they seat fully on the axle hub. Install drum retaining clips if equipped
2. Reinstall rear wheels and torque lug nuts in a star pattern to manufacturer specification (typically 135 ft-lbs for this vehicle)
3. Lower vehicle to ground and remove jack stands
4. Pump the parking brake pedal several times to seat the cable and brake components

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground and engine running, engage parking brake fully. Transmission should be in PARK or NEUTRAL. Verify vehicle does not roll when service brake is released
• Confirm parking brake pedal engages within 4-6 clicks with firm resistance. If engagement is too high, cable needs tightening. If too low or wheels drag, cable needs loosening
• Test drive vehicle in a safe area. Stop on a moderate incline and engage parking brake. Transmission in NEUTRAL (with service brake applied). Verify parking brake holds vehicle without rolling
• Visually inspect cable routing underneath vehicle to ensure no contact with exhaust, driveshaft, or suspension components through full suspension travel
• Verify parking brake warning light on dash illuminates when pedal is engaged and extinguishes when fully released
• After initial test drive, re-check cable adjustment as cable may seat and require fine-tuning

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