55 Park Brake Cable

[Mudbone]

I am installing the park brake cable on my 55. Is there supposed to be a rubber grommet on both of the retainers on the rear axle? Am I missing anything else? There were no grommets at all when I took it apart so I assume they were missing. Do I need anything else except a retaining clip where is passes through the front retainer? Thanks, Mud

[Smartin]

The cable will fit tight in the forward most hole. If you bring the cable back further into the hole, it should fit snug with the "bigger" diameter of the cable.

The rear hole gets no grommet, from what I've seen in the past, and on my car.

[Smartin]

...

[buick5563]

Hey Ken,
Here is a pic of mine.
There is a rubber grommet of some sort on the rear side, then a small washer. The spring holds these to the center mount with a clip on the rearward side of the assembly. My clip was mangled beyond repair, so I used a 1/2" E-clip instead. I couldn't find a source for the rubber grommet at this point, but the grommet that the cable passes through on the torque tube is listed in the Bob's catalog as:
part number CB388- parking brake cable support grommet.

[Smartin]

Looks like I'm missing some pieces

[George K.]

55 Park Brake Cable

[progoofoff]

Group 4.784 1304505 - Buffer, hand brake cable

Available at:

nospartsfromthepast.com

[buick5563]

I also ordered the grommet that the cable passes through the frame from Steele. Since I didn't disassemble my cable, I cut the top and shoved it in place around the preinstalled cable. If you don't have the grommet at the torque tube, every time you hit a bump you will here the clang of the cable hitting the tube...

[Mudbone]

I do have the grommet that I got from Bob’s. So it goes into the hole near the front of the car where the cable housing is inserted. I then need a small spring and a clip to hold it in place. So do I need a grommet for the rear hole? I think the same grommet would fit. Thanks, Mud

[buick5563]

Yes in the torque tube. That was the Bobs number I gave.

At the front the order is cable assembly, mounting bracket, rubber, small "fender washer" that slides over the "nipple" of the cable assembly, spring, 1/2" e-clip (or Buick equivalent). Getting the clip on is a bit tricky since you have to compress the spring.
It is conceivable you could pull the grommet back off to use in the middle of the torque tube, then buy a large plumbing rubber washer, 1/2" fender washer, spring, and clip from a good hardware store. Just a guess, though.

Hope this helps.

[Mudbone]

I did a mock up with stuff I had. It looks like I will need larger washers and a shorter spring. As far as connecting it to the rear cable, do I use a double nut on the rear side or do I need a nut on both sides? Mud

[buick5563]

On the back of that horseshoe formed piece of steel there is a nub. The original nut had a corresponding groove in it that prevented it from moving. You could just dremel a groove in a nut if you can't locate an original.

[Mudbone]

Thanks for all your help guys. I pulled this cable off 16 years ago when it was delivered. The driver smashed down the park brake and exploded the cable housing. I took it apart so I could get it off the truck and have no idea what I did with that stuff!

[Mudbone]

Ok, one more question. I never had a park brake return spring. I see a little loop on the rear end housing. Where does it hook to the cable? Also does anyone have dimensions of the spring and a photo of the location? Thanks, Mud

[buick5563]

Hey Mud,
There is supposed to be a metal "tab" with two holes in it that goes to the front side of the horseshoe.
My spring measures 9 1/4" off of the car. I imagine it started at 9".
Also, that nut to the rear of the cable pulling "horseshoe" is about 3/4".
You may want to talk to Ken Reeves, sounds like you were missing a lot.

[Mudbone]

Thanks, Mike. The tab looks like the same one used on the master return spring. I will send Ken note. Mud

[Airy Cat]

For the rubber grommet on the parking brake cable, I used the round rubber grommet from a shock absober. You'll need to slice it in half if it's too thick or use an old one that's been compressed. It's less expensive and it works!

[buick5563]

Good call