How to Remove an Emergency Brake Cable From a Caliper

The rear disc brakes on some vehicles have an emergency brake integrated into the caliper to aid in additional braking power, potentially avoiding an accident. When the rear calipers start to fail, they will need to be removed and either rebuilt or replaced. Part of the removal process is taking off the emergency brake cable, which should take about 15 minutes per side to do.

Things You'll Need

  • Jack
  • Jack stands
  • Tire iron
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Lift the rear end of the vehicle using a jack then place it on jack stands. Unbolt the rear wheel lugs using the tire iron and take the wheels off of the vehicle.

  • Locate the rear brake caliper. Look around the backside of the caliper to find the emergency brake cable connection, which will go through a large spring and hook onto a bracket. Pry the ring on the end of the emergency brake cable off of the hook on the bracket using a flat head screwdriver.

  • Hold down the locking tabs on the emergency brake cable using a flat head screwdriver then pull the cable out of the emergency brake bracket.