Repair Lane

Parking Brake Cable Replacement

A stretched, seized, or snapped parking brake cable is replaced and adjusted so the parking brake applies and — just as important — releases properly.

Difficulty: moderate~12 hrs1–2 hours
Estimated total
$145–480
Parts$30–130
Labor$115–350
Labor time12 hrs
Get matched with a shop
What's involved

What this repair actually is.

Steel cables connect your parking brake lever or pedal to the rear brakes, and salt and age make them stretch, seize inside their housings, or snap. We replace the failed cable, adjust the system, and confirm the parking brake both holds firmly and releases fully so the rear brakes don't drag.

Symptoms

How you can tell.

  • Parking brake lever pulls up with no resistance
  • Parking brake is stuck on and the car won't roll
  • Rear brakes dragging after releasing the parking brake
  • Lever or pedal travels much farther than it used to
  • Cable visibly hanging or snapped under the car
If you delay

A seized cable can leave the parking brake stuck on — dragging and overheating the rear brakes — or leave you with no parking brake at all.

Educational estimate. Real pricing depends on your vehicle, the inspection, parts availability, taxes, and shop rates. Use this as a guide while you shop quotes.
Related

Often done together.