Questions About Replacing/Adjusting e-Brake Lever

[XanRules]

Howdy y'all,

The button in my parking brake got totally stuck in the pressed-in position, and in my attempts to retrieve it I sort of, uh, snapped it off, which means I now need to jab something into the e-brake to activate it. Super embarrassing.

So, I've purchased a new OEM e-Brake handle from eBay, and I've found instructions on this forum on how to remove the center console, and the e-brake lever itself only looks like it needs a couple of bolts holding it in, and then a little cable that hooks in somewhere - my question is, what do I do after that? How do I know how to correctly set the cable and adjust it? Is that something I need to worry about? Does the car have to be on blocks or a lift, or is this DIY job?

Thanks!

 

[D1JL]

As you may know the E-Brake is an integral part of the rear calipers.
When you use the brakes, the rear pads are adjusted closer to the rotor.
By the same token, when you use the E-Brake the rear pads are adjusted in the same manor.
Therefore, pressing the brake pedal a few times or lifting the E-Brake handle a few times will accomplish the same thing.
Any adjustment to the E-Brake cable itself, should only be done to remove any excess slack when installing a new cable.

 

[XanRules]

As you may know the E-Brake is an integral part of the rear calipers.
When you use the brakes, the rear pads are adjusted closer to the rotor.
By the same token, when you use the E-Brake the rear pads are adjusted in the same manor.
Therefore, pressing the brake pedal a few times or lifting the E-Brake handle a few times will accomplish the same thing.
Any adjustment to the E-Brake cable itself, should only be done to remove any excess slack when installing a new cable.

so if I am understanding you correctly, if the E-Brake is otherwise functioning as intended (minus the missing button), I shouldn't need to make any adjustments to anything outside of the car, just keep the same amount of slack in the existing cable? Or are these two entirely separate components and removing the lever won't impact the function of the cable?

 

[D1JL]

so if I am understanding you correctly, if the E-Brake is otherwise functioning as intended (minus the missing button), I shouldn't need to make any adjustments to anything outside of the car, just keep the same amount of slack in the existing cable?

This is correct.
The button only locks the handle in the upright position.

 

[XanRules]

Cool. I am replacing the entire lever but can very easily adjust the slack in the new cable before I put it in. Thanks for the help!