E-brake cable busted

So a few months ago my e-brake went on my 97' Tacoma. I was applying the parking brake when I felt it give out completely. I thought something had just come loose or slipped off it's hinge. Apparently the cable itself snapped due to age. First I took it to my local Toyota dealership. They were the ones who originally assessed the situation and gave me the bad news - I needed a new cable and a new e-brake handle (something about the springs being faulty) that they had to order from Japan. Total damage - about $750 CAD. I thought this seemed high and given that it was an old truck I figured I'd look around. I took it to a general mechanic type shop (Canadian Tire for those of you in Canada) - they had a look, told me I needed the e-brake cable but not the handle. In addition I needed the two cables that run to the left and right rear brakes since those were frayed and were bound to snap soon anyway. Apparently there are 4 cables total - one from the ebrake handle to a cable that runs down the middle of the truck, that middle cable, and two cables going to each rear brake. Total damage - $800 CAD. The kicker - as both inspectors said, its not the labour that's the cost, it's the cables. You can only buy them from a Toyota dealer and they cost a lot. I talked to numerous auto-wreckers and all of them said they don't save old cables like that. One suggestion was fabricating them myself (I don't know about this, I'd have to get someone more knowledgeable than myself).

My question is this: has anybody encountered this problem? Are there generic brand cables you can buy - online perhaps? Is fabricating a dangerous idea?

Thanks!

 

While a wrecker may not 'save them' as in hanging on the wall, they are on every truck still in the yard.

What you need to find out from Toyota is what years/models that P/N is good for. Then find a wrecker who will either contact you when such a model arrives, or a couple of wreckers you can call every week.

Of course you'll want one that the chassis is in fair shape rust wise, meaning it's likely the cables and sheaths are still good. Before installing them you want to clean them will and lubricate so everything moves nicely by hand.

It'll probably be a bit of adventurous search, but it will certainly cost a lot less!

 

Something is not right I have a 2000 4x4 Extended Cab

My Truck has only 2 cables . one coming down from the handle to the intermediate lever

one from the intermediate lever to each rear wheel

The replacement costs are not near so much I have new Toyota ones on the shelf.

What do you have that is so different 2WD perhaps something not imported to the USA ??

 

Nope, it's a 4x4 V6. I'm relying on the word of the mechanics who inspected the truck. I can't say why they'd claim it had more cables than it does. Its just how they explained it to me.

 

Can you take some pictures.

Perhaps go to one of the online Toyota sites enter your VIN see what you can find.

Could be the people that worked on it did not really know.

I could see thinking about this to a person not sure that rear cable could look like 3 but it is all one piece .

Or were hoping you dumped the truck cheap.

Just looking quick thereis a different cable # for the regular cab and extended cab Both cost the same.

Now you most likely need some hardware but ball park for the front and rear cable is $150.00 American

 

I replaced the entire rear Assembly myself. $127.00 from Toyota. OEM is the only one that will fit right. The handle part is Even cheaper. Those are the ones that commonly break. Put some lithium grease on the parts that move by the drum (forgot what it's called). Having no e brake sucks. It's now an e broke!

 

Your mechanic is correct. There are 4 cables, one from the handle to a frame mounted bell crank, one from that bell crank to a rear end mounted bell crank, and two from that bell crank, one to the left rear and one to the right rear drum backing plate. I've seen listings for aftermarket, but don't know anything about the quality or fit.

 

Your telling us there are 4 cables so post up the Toyota Part numbers.

Just checking again 2 cables front and rear.

I know myself I replace other hardware when changing the cables.

I could see if paying list price for all new parts for the entire emergency brake system plus labor it might come close to what you werequoted

 

I stand corrected. There are 3 cables on a 97. The front one runs from handle to a Y connector then there is one from there to the left brake and one to the right brake.
http://www.villagetoyotaparts.com/showAssembly.aspx?ukey_product=2084999&ukey_assembly=345866

 

I replaced my assembly (rear) on my 98. The rear is one assembly. You can buy aftermarket pieces and make your own. I went to Rockauto and even though the part was listed to fit my truck and it did not. I have an extended cab. When I went to the dealer they sell 2 assemblies. 1 for the front (handle) and the part that splits right under the drivers seat - under the truck of course. It's extremely easy to replace the rear piece. The front assembly is the one that breaks the majority of the time.

 

@pofarm is correct. 3 cables. the one from the "lever" under the driver seat runs the length back to the passenger rear, and when that pulls it pulls the driver side cable that is connected mid way over the pumpkin.

 

The rear cable is all one cable !!

I can`t see why they would change it.

At the dealer today we looked could not find any thing on the 4x4 but being we are in the USA who knows what might be imported to the Great White North

Parts and Service Managers were both standing there with me.

We were talking about the frame swaps back log when I recalled this.

When I told them about the price quote to repair they both laughed and said Toyota has to pay for these frame swaps some how!!!

 

ok, it's TWO part numbers, but technically there are three cables, refer to the pic I posted. thx

 

WOW! No need to get your panties in a wad....

 

This diagram clearly shows two rear cables, part numbers 46420 and 46430. The front cable is part number 46410.

 

that diagram is wrong. sure that's not for 2wd?

 

this is for my 2004 4wd (I assume Pre-runner and 4wd to be the same)

03-04 had this below the axle, 02 and older has it on top

 

also, @Wyoming09 hows the snow? I'm at 5 inches so far over here :|

 

The one above is listed for a 97. This is probably the one you are referring to. It's listed for a 96 Tacoma. It still has 3 cables, although the rear one appears to be sold as one unit.

 

@pofarm the first one you listed in for RZN140 (two wheel drive)

@oneclickwonder here is the 4wd v6 1997 (9501-9701)- seems they changed the cable a little for 98+