There are times that you need to rely on your parking brake. Those are not the times you find out that there is something wrong with your parking brake cable. It pays to service the cable. Here's a few things to look for when you do.
Check the equalizer linkage which connects a single cable to the parking brake pedal or lever. If need to adjust the linkage by turning the screw where the cable connects to your parking brake's equalizer, or where the cable and the parking brake lever connects.
Examine the parking brake cable for rust when you service it. Rust can cause the cables to bind up inside their sheaths, which could impact their releasing or actuating. Rust can also cause just one cable to freeze, which prevents the equalizer from functioning properly, which is a concern when emergency braking, and could cause one wheel to lock.
Inspect the equalizer linkage as you service the parking brake cable. If there's rust, it could impede the equalizer from operating properly.
Look at the hinge pivot when you service a parking brake cable. If the hinge pivot is broken, you will not be able to use the parking brake at all.
Lubricate the cables as needed with brake grease, or even replace them if the parking brakes is not functioning properly. Lubricate the pivot point on the equalizer as well.
