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Ford Mustang GT 1996-2014: How to Repair and Replace Parking Brake Cable

The parking brake is an important safety feature in the Ford Mustang GT. It prevents your car from rolling or putting stress on the transmission's gears when parked. Read on to learn how to replace and adjust the parking brake cables.

By Jared Hammond - October 27, 2015

This article applies to the Ford Mustang GT (1996-2014).

The parking brakes on your Ford Mustang GT help prevent your Mustang from rolling when in neutral, and to protect your automatic transmission by taking the load off the gears. A common point of failure for the parking brake are the rear parking brake cables, which can snap when put under too much pressure either by pulling too hard on the lever or from general wear and tear.

Materials Needed

  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Ratchet with 8mm socket
  • Jack and jack stands
  • Needle noise pliers
  • Flat head screwdriver

There are three cables you should inspect. The front cable and the two rear cables. If one of your rear cables has broken, you may skip Step 3.

Step 1 – Remove center console

Start by lifting the car and setting it on jack stands. Pull up the parking brake lever as much as you can. Locate the two Phillips screws in the arm rest and remove them. Remove the center plastic trim by pulling it up. There will be two more screws at the bottom of the console tray, then you can lift the rest of the console out from around the parking brake lever.

Figure 1. Remove center console.

Step 2 – Decrease tension from the parking brake cables

For '96 to '04 models, lower the parking brake lever and insert a pin into the the hole next to the lever, pull back on the cable and it will force the locking spring to loosen the tension. For '05 and newer models, loosen the adjustment nut on the tensioning rod.

  • Figure 2. Removing tension from the parking brake. '96-'04.
  • Figure 3. Tension adjustment nut on '05 and newer models.

Step 3 – Replace the front parking brake cable ('96-'04 only)

Slip the end of the old parking brake cable out from the pulley. Then push it down through the small hole at the bottom. Go to the other end and slip the two rear cables from the equalizer. The equalizer is mounted in a tray between two exhaust pipes.

Figure 4. Insert front parking brake cable end to cut out.

When installing the new front parking brake cable, it's easier to start at the lever first. Slip it up through the hole and wrap it around the pulley to slip it into the cutout where it should stay. Pull the other end of the parking brake to the two rear cables. Attach the two rear cables to the equalizer of the new cable by slipping them into the cutouts.

Pro Tip

If you drive a '05 or newer model, the front parking brake cable is a part of the parking brake lever assembly.

Step 4 – Replace the rear parking brake cables

Remove the rear tire and caliper. The rear parking brake cables are held via a spring loaded arm on the back of the disc brake. There is also a clip that needs to be pulled to disconnect the cable. Once it's loose from the brake, follow the cable to the point where the other cables meet. There will be a mounting bracket holding it to the chassis. Unbolt and remove this bracket. At the opposite end of the cable, just push in and slide it out from the equalizer.

Figure 5. Parking brake cable equalizer.

To install a rear parking brake cable, just reverse the process. Attach it to the equalizer. Insert it to the mounting bracket and tighten the bracket to the chassis. Push down the spring-loaded arm, insert the cable end, and reattach the clip.

When you're finished, cycle the parking brake on and off until you are certain that it's working properly.

Featured Video: '96-'04 Mustang E-Brake Cable Replacement

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