How to detach the handbrake cable from the rear hubs ?

[eriknetherlands]

Hi all,

I want to remove the complete rear axle, and i think i need to detach both handbrake cables for this at the wheel side. I have a "73 CS with discs.

Lying under the car it wasn't obvious to me, so i read the tech instructions, but the pictures and explanation there didn't help me. Section 34 41 100 contains the attached picture, which seem to indicate that once the nuts are unscrewed, the bowdencable can move out of the hub toward the outside of the vehicle. i expect it to detach and allow to be pulled to the centre of the vehicle....

So, how should i start when i want to disconnect the handbrake cables from the wheels? Do I detach the 2 cables near the interior handle and pull the entire 5 feet through the hub?

hints?
All is appreciated.
Erik.

 

[Sven]

To remove the cables you will need to:

1. Pull off the brake rotor exposing the e-brake shoes.
2. Remove the springs holding the shoes together and then remove the assembly where the cable attaches to the shoe spreader. Be careful as there are two small pins that will fall out from the separator hinge pieces. You might photograph this so you see how it goes back together.
3. Remove the two nuts that hold on the cast e-brake end to the trailing arm.
4. Remove the two 6 mm nuts at the other end of each cable (under the rubber boot at the e-brake handle).
5. You should be able to pull the assembly out through the rear trailing arm. The black cable covering is just press fit into the metal cable conduit under the transmission tunnel.

Note, if you are not going to disassemble the rear trailing arms, rotors, etc., then you can leave the e-brake assembly attached and simply pull the cable and plastic sleeve out of the metal conduit (with only step #4 above).

 

[Peter Coomaraswamy]

Agree! (#4)

It is much easier to pull the cables out of the holders and tape them into a "hoop" to remove the rear axle. Sometimes the nub stays attached to the tube and the cable will seem like it's stuck, just get some pliers and give a twist. Also, sometimes it gets a little tricky getting them out from around the hand brake. When the rear end is out you will have much better access to cleaning etc. Take some pics to help you remember how they go together or do one side at a time. Also, there are two pins that will "fall out" when you remove the shoes. Don't lose them-trust me .

The rear end rebuild (less the LSD) is very straight forward, easy and rewarding once done. Lots of posts on the CV joints, etc, here on the forum and some good videos on youtube.

Good Luck!