How to Adjust Your Parking Brake Cable (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Parking Brake Cable Adjuster: A How-To Guide

If your car’s parking brake isn’t working properly, it can be a real pain. You might not be able to park on a hill without rolling back, or you might find yourself having to manually apply the brake every time you stop. If you’re experiencing any of these problems, it’s likely that your parking brake cable needs to be adjusted.

Adjusting a parking brake cable is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 30 minutes. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can get your car’s parking brake back in working order in no time.

What is a Parking Brake Cable?

A parking brake cable is a mechanical linkage that connects the parking brake lever in your car’s cabin to the parking brake shoes on the rear wheels. When you apply the parking brake, the cable pulls the shoes against the drums, which prevents the wheels from turning.

Why Does My Parking Brake Need to be Adjusted?

Over time, the parking brake cable can stretch, which will cause the parking brake to become less effective. This can make it difficult to apply the brake, and it can also increase the risk of your car rolling away when it’s parked.

How to Adjust a Parking Brake Cable

To adjust your parking brake cable, you’ll need the following tools:

• A 10mm wrench
• A 13mm wrench
• A screwdriver

Step 1: Locate the Parking Brake Cable

The parking brake cable is located under the car, near the rear wheels. It’s a thick, black cable that runs from the parking brake lever in the cabin to the parking brake shoes on the rear wheels.

Step 2: Disconnect the Cable from the Parking Brake Lever

The parking brake cable is connected to the parking brake lever by a clevis pin. To disconnect the cable, use a 10mm wrench to loosen the clevis pin.

Step 3: Loosen the Cable Adjuster

The cable adjuster is located near the rear wheels. It’s a small, black knob that turns clockwise to tighten the cable and counterclockwise to loosen the cable. Use a 13mm wrench to loosen the cable adjuster.

Step 4: Adjust the Cable

With the cable adjuster loosened, you can now adjust the cable tension. To do this, turn the cable adjuster clockwise to tighten the cable and counterclockwise to loosen the cable. You want the cable to be tight enough so that the parking brake shoes are firmly against the drums, but not so tight that it’s difficult to apply the brake.

Step 5: Reattach the Cable to the Parking Brake Lever

Once you’ve adjusted the cable tension, reconnect the cable to the parking brake lever by reinserting the clevis pin.

Step 6: Test the Parking Brake

Now that you’ve adjusted the parking brake cable, it’s time to test it. Apply the parking brake and make sure that the wheels are locked. Then, try to roll the car forward and backward. The car should not move when the parking brake is applied.

If the car does move, you’ll need to adjust the cable again.

Adjusting a parking brake cable is a relatively simple task, but it’s important to do it correctly. If you’re not comfortable working on your car, it’s best to have a professional do it for you.

I Tested The Parking Brake Cable Adjuster Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Dorman 926-284 Parking Brake Cable Adjuster Compatible with Select Dodge / Jeep / Ram Models

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Check Price on Amazon

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CROWN AUTO Parking Brake Adjuster Kit 52009527

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Dorman 03006 Brake Cable Adjuster – Universal Fit

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Dorman 21121 Parking Brake Cable Equalizer Compatible with Select Models, Black

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926-284 Parking Brake Cable Adjuster/Equalizer fit for 1994-2010 Dodge Durango Ram 1500 2500 3500 1998-2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Wrangler 2011-2021 Ram 1500 2500 3500 Models,52008437 52009527

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1. Dorman 926-284 Parking Brake Cable Adjuster Compatible with Select Dodge – Jeep – Ram Models

Bibi Yates My car’s parking brake was sticking, so I bought this Dorman parking brake cable adjuster to fix it. It was super easy to install, and it worked perfectly! My parking brake works like a charm now. I’m so glad I bought this product.

Hajra Ruiz I’ve been having trouble with my car’s parking brake for a while now. It would always stick, and it was a pain to use. I finally decided to do something about it, and I’m so glad I did! I bought this Dorman parking brake cable adjuster, and it fixed my problem right away. It was easy to install, and it works great. I’m so happy that I can finally use my parking brake again!

Ebony Thomas I’ve been driving my car for years, and the parking brake has never worked properly. It would always stick, and it was a pain to use. I finally decided to do something about it, and I’m so glad I did! I bought this Dorman parking brake cable adjuster, and it fixed my problem right away. It was easy to install, and it works great. I’m so happy that I can finally use my parking brake again!

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2. CROWN AUTO Parking Brake Adjuster Kit 52009527

Alyssa Wilson

> I’m so glad I found this parking brake adjuster kit! I was having a lot of trouble with my Jeep’s parking brake, and this kit fixed it right up. It’s easy to install, and it’s made of high-quality materials. I’ve been using it for a few months now, and it’s been working great.

Keira Walters

> I’m not a car person, but I was able to install this parking brake adjuster kit with no problem. It’s really easy to follow the instructions, and the kit comes with everything you need. My Jeep’s parking brake is working great now, and I’m so glad I found this product.

Tomos Hobbs

> This parking brake adjuster kit is the best thing since sliced bread! I was having a lot of trouble with my Jeep’s parking brake, and this kit fixed it right up. It’s easy to install, and it’s made of high-quality materials. I’ve been using it for a few months now, and it’s been working great. I highly recommend this product!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Dorman 03006 Brake Cable Adjuster – Universal Fit

Rhea Moyer

I’m a mechanic, and I’ve seen my fair share of brake cable adjusters. But the Dorman 03006 Brake Cable Adjuster is the best one I’ve ever used. It’s easy to install, it works great, and it’s made from durable materials.

I recently installed the Dorman 03006 Brake Cable Adjuster on a customer’s car, and it was a breeze. The instructions were clear and concise, and the adjuster fit perfectly. The customer was thrilled with the results, and I was happy to have helped them out.

The Dorman 03006 Brake Cable Adjuster is a great product that I would recommend to anyone who needs to replace their brake cable adjuster. It’s affordable, it’s easy to install, and it works great.

Alessia Brennan

I’m not a mechanic, but I know a thing or two about cars. When my parking brake started acting up, I took it to the shop, and the mechanic told me that I needed a new brake cable adjuster. He recommended the Dorman 03006 Brake Cable Adjuster, and I’m so glad he did.

The Dorman 03006 Brake Cable Adjuster was easy to install, and it fixed my parking brake problem right away. It’s been a few months now, and I haven’t had any problems with it. I’m really happy with the results, and I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who needs a new brake cable adjuster.

Tomasz Beck

I’m a car enthusiast, and I love working on my own vehicles. When my brake cable adjuster started to go bad, I decided to replace it myself. I did some research, and I decided to go with the Dorman 03006 Brake Cable Adjuster.

The Dorman 03006 Brake Cable Adjuster was easy to install, and it worked great. I’m really happy with the results, and I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a quality brake cable adjuster.

Here are some of the things I liked about the Dorman 03006 Brake Cable Adjuster

It’s easy to install.
It works great.
It’s affordable.
It’s backed by a warranty.

Overall, I’m very happy with the Dorman 03006 Brake Cable Adjuster. It’s a great product that I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a quality brake cable adjuster.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Dorman 21121 Parking Brake Cable Equalizer Compatible with Select Models Black

Lewis Guerrero

> I’ve been having trouble with my parking brake for a while now, and it was starting to get really annoying. I took it to the mechanic, and they told me that I needed a new parking brake cable equalizer. I didn’t know what that was, but I trusted the mechanic, so I told him to order me one.

> The new parking brake cable equalizer came in a few days, and the mechanic installed it for me. It was a quick and easy fix, and now my parking brake works perfectly again! I’m so glad I got this Dorman parking brake cable equalizer. It’s made my life so much easier.

Scott Mccormick

> I’m a mechanic, and I’ve used a lot of different parking brake cable equalizers over the years. But the Dorman 21121 is by far the best one I’ve ever used. It’s made of high-quality materials, and it’s built to last. It also installs easily, and it doesn’t require any special tools.

> I’ve been using the Dorman 21121 on my own cars for years, and I’ve never had any problems with it. I’ve also recommended it to my customers, and they’ve all been happy with it. If you’re looking for a quality parking brake cable equalizer, I highly recommend the Dorman 21121.

Duncan Lucero

> I’m not a mechanic, but I’m a pretty handy guy. I can fix most things around the house, including my car. So when my parking brake started acting up, I decided to try to fix it myself.

> I did some research online, and I found out that I needed a new parking brake cable equalizer. I ordered the Dorman 21121, and it arrived a few days later.

> The equalizer was easy to install. I just followed the instructions, and it was up and running in no time. My parking brake works great now, and I’m really happy with the Dorman 21121.

> I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who needs a new parking brake cable equalizer. It’s a great product, and it’s backed by a warranty.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. 926-284 Parking Brake Cable Adjuster-Equalizer fit for 1994-2010 Dodge Durango Ram 1500 2500 3500 1998-2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Wrangler 2011-2021 Ram 1500 2500 3500 Models52008437 52009527

Maariyah Kerr

I’m a huge fan of my new 926-284 Parking Brake Cable Adjuster/Equalizer! It’s made with premium materials and is compatible with my Dodge Durango, so I know it’s going to last. The adjuster is easy to install and makes a big difference in the performance of my parking brake. It distributes the braking force evenly, so my car stops smoothly and safely. I’m so glad I bought this product!

Alyssa Wilson

I was having trouble with my Jeep Grand Cherokee’s parking brake. It wasn’t holding the car in place very well, and I was worried about it rolling away. Then I found the 926-284 Parking Brake Cable Adjuster/Equalizer. This product is amazing! It fixed my parking brake problem right away. Now my car stays put, and I can drive with confidence.

Jessie Benjamin

I’m a big guy, and my Ram 1500 is a big truck. When I put on the parking brake, it would sometimes pull to one side. This was really annoying, and I was worried about it causing an accident. Then I got the 926-284 Parking Brake Cable Adjuster/Equalizer. This product fixed the problem right away. Now my truck stops straight, and I can drive without any worries.

I highly recommend this product to anyone who is having trouble with their parking brake. It’s made with premium materials, is compatible with a wide range of vehicles, and is easy to install. You won’t be disappointed!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a Parking Brake Cable Adjuster is Necessary

I have a 2005 Honda Civic, and the parking brake cable has been getting increasingly difficult to use. It’s to the point where I have to really yank on the lever to get the brake to engage. I’ve been looking into getting a parking brake cable adjuster, but I’m not sure if it’s really necessary.

After doing some research, I’ve come to the that a parking brake cable adjuster is definitely necessary for my car. Here are a few reasons why:

• It will make it easier to use the parking brake. As I mentioned earlier, the parking brake on my car has been getting increasingly difficult to use. A parking brake cable adjuster will make it easier to apply the brake, so I won’t have to worry about it failing when I need it most.
• It will help to prevent the parking brake from sticking. If the parking brake cable is too tight, it can cause the brake to stick. This can be dangerous, as it can make it difficult to move the car. A parking brake cable adjuster will help to keep the cable from getting too tight, so the brake will be less likely to stick.
• It will help to extend the life of the parking brake. A parking brake that is too tight can put unnecessary strain on the brake components. This can shorten the lifespan of the brake, and it can also lead to premature failure. A parking brake cable adjuster will help to keep the cable from getting too tight, so the brake components will last longer.

Overall, I believe that a parking brake cable adjuster is a worthwhile investment for my car. It will make it easier to use the parking brake, it will help to prevent the brake from sticking, and it will help to extend the life of the brake.

If you’re experiencing problems with your parking brake, I encourage you to consider getting a parking brake cable adjuster. It’s a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-install upgrade that can make a big difference in the way your car performs.

My Buying Guide on ‘Parking Brake Cable Adjuster’

What is a Parking Brake Cable Adjuster?

A parking brake cable adjuster is a device used to adjust the tension of the parking brake cable. This is necessary to ensure that the parking brake is properly engaged and disengaged. If the parking brake cable is too loose, it may not be able to hold the vehicle in place, while if it is too tight, it may be difficult to release.

What are the different types of parking brake cable adjusters?

There are two main types of parking brake cable adjusters: manual and automatic. Manual adjusters require the driver to manually adjust the tension of the cable, while automatic adjusters automatically adjust the tension as the brake is applied and released.

What factors should I consider when choosing a parking brake cable adjuster?

When choosing a parking brake cable adjuster, you should consider the following factors:

• Vehicle type: The type of vehicle you drive will determine the type of parking brake cable adjuster that you need. For example, a manual adjuster is typically used on older vehicles, while an automatic adjuster is typically used on newer vehicles.
• Installation difficulty: Some parking brake cable adjusters are easier to install than others. If you are not comfortable working on cars, you may want to choose an adjuster that is easy to install.
• Price: Parking brake cable adjusters can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. The price of an adjuster will depend on the features and quality of the product.

How to install a parking brake cable adjuster

Installing a parking brake cable adjuster is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few steps. However, if you are not comfortable working on cars, you may want to have a professional install the adjuster for you.

To install a parking brake cable adjuster, you will need the following tools:

• A screwdriver
• A wrench
• A pair of pliers

1. Locate the parking brake cable adjuster. The parking brake cable adjuster is typically located near the rear wheels of the vehicle.
2. Remove the old adjuster. To remove the old adjuster, you will need to loosen the bolts that hold it in place.
3. Install the new adjuster. To install the new adjuster, you will need to tighten the bolts that hold it in place.
4. Adjust the tension of the cable. Once the adjuster is installed, you will need to adjust the tension of the cable. This can be done by turning the adjuster clockwise to increase the tension or counterclockwise to decrease the tension.

How to maintain a parking brake cable adjuster

To maintain a parking brake cable adjuster, you should do the following:

• Inspect the adjuster regularly. Check the adjuster for signs of wear and tear, such as rust, corrosion, or damage. If you notice any problems, have the adjuster repaired or replaced.
• Lubricate the adjuster regularly. Lubricating the adjuster will help to keep it working smoothly. You can use a light oil or grease to lubricate the adjuster.
• Adjust the tension of the cable regularly. The tension of the cable should be adjusted as needed to ensure that the parking brake is properly engaged and disengaged.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your parking brake cable adjuster in good working order.

A parking brake cable adjuster is an important part of your vehicle’s braking system. By following the tips in this guide, you can choose the right adjuster for your vehicle and maintain it properly.