My rear ebrake cable snapped and I have never replaced one before. The cable on the drivers side isn't that bad, but I'm going to replace it neways. The cable running to the passenger side looks like it was rubbing on the frame because you can see the cable itself is rusted pretty bad.(thats the one that snapped) I have the drum brakes in the back with ABS and I haven't even opened it up yet. I am not sure how they stay in there or how to get them out. Do I need to replace the spring set also.I know all the brake pads were changed not that many miles ago and my guess would be they would replace the springs also, because the guy I got the truck from always brought it to the dealer to get everything fixed. Do i have to take everything off, like the springs, pads, and everything? Also I don't know if the ABS works because I never had to lock 'em up, but the ABS light occationally comes on. Since I am gonna be in there anyways is there a way to dissable them without messing anything up? (I don't like ABS or traction control -it feels like I am not in control while driving)

Thanks in advance -Shawn

 

Why would you want to disable a safety device? IT shortens stopping distance in an emergency and helps keep your truck straight in a panic stop?? You are in FULL control with ABS thats the beauty of it. Replacing the rear E-brake cables is not hard just tedious. Get a manual to see how its done. I don't feel like typing the whole procedure out here.

 

I don't know the guy told me he doesn't think the ABS work neways and said they might as well be disconnected. Once i open it up i'll figure it out, but do I need to replace the springs? or just if there bad

 

I replaced my failed cables a while back - don't recall it being too difficult, just - like NGM said - a bit tedious. I'd recommend getting the E-brake repaired for the peace-of-mind factor alone. IIRC, a new e-brake spring came as part of the new cable. You can pull the drum off and everything else should remain in place, or else your work scope will be expanded. May have to back the adjusting screw off to get the room for the drum to clear the linings. As for the other springs, suggest to leave that for the next lining replacement, unless something is obviously wrong. Worst case, you may have to remove the rear (back) lining and adjusting cable to be able to get the new e-brake cable snaked into the holding clip on the e-brake lever. Drums are pretty simple - do one side at a time, and if you have questions, take a look at the other side for reference. A good-gripping pair of pliers and a long-handled screwdriver are all you should need.
The ABS has to do with a sensing ring inside the differential case and a valve block mounted on the driver side frame rail by the fuel filter. Not sure what could be done to disable it at the drums.

 

I forgot to mention my truck isn't on the road right now, or it would be the first on my to-do list. My dad has those spring screwdriver set to get them off and on, they will come in handy. About the ABS I wasn't sure if it was a sensor or if there was something in there that may have come loose. I will take a few pictures with the digital camera, just to make sure everything is correct. I was looking to see if I needed to replace anything else and for tricks ya'all had on changing them.

wde3477 -Thank You very much, I appreciate it. -Shawn