My EM Brake cables are seized up and so far I have not been able to loosen them up. Any body have any ideas on what can be used to break them free in protective sheath or know a source with replacements that will work a 46 2 ton? Attached are a couple of photos of what they look like.
I've had mixed success in freeing up brake cables, depending on how far gone they were. You do want them to slide freely though the sheathing. I've used WD 40, PB Blaster, Marvel Mystery Oil, and a combination of all three.
There are services that will make what you want - George's Cables is one I can think of.
~ Victor 1941 3/4-Ton Pickup (in process). Read about it in the DITY Gallery 1955 Grumman Kurbside "Doughboy" 235/3 on tree w/ OD 1957 3100 - moved on 1959 C4500 Short Bus "Magic Bus" - moved on 1959 G3800 1 Ton Dually "Chief" - moved on 1958 C4400 Viking "Thor" ~ moved on to fellow Bolter
After the cables have been soaked well, I would take a foot or so in my hands and move it like I was turning the crank on a bike. Then move along the cable a short way and do it some more. This puts a lot of flex in every part of the cable very quickly and breaks each wrap of the cover loose from the inner wire. I have had good luck with this method. IF it comes free, which is a pretty good chance if it is not bulged or broken, I would then clear away the solvent, perhaps with something drying like spray brake cleaner and soak it again but in oil this time. I would crank the cable again to be sure the oil got in everywhere.
Solvent or oil will soak in from the outside of the coiled covering if it is flexed to open up spaces between the individual wraps. You will have to work out all the rust debris to get the cable to work smoothly. It can take a while.
I have cut the corner out of a small plastic bag and fed the end of the cable through the hole. A rubber band will secure the bag to the cable. Fill the bag with oil and suspend the bag end up. Work the freed cable in the housing to flush out crud and oil the whole unit.
Good luck.
Last edited by sweepleader; 07/08/20194:44 PM.
Mac :{)
1962 K10 short step side, much modified for rally 1969 T50 fire truck, almost nos, needs a few things
Make up a tube like George suggested. Put the cables in then fill with Evaporust and screw the cap on. Let it set a couple of days. Remove the cap and empty the Evaporust. See if the cables are now free. If not the fill the tube with Kroil and put the cables back in, seal it up and leave it for a week or two. Hope it works for you.ðŸ›
Martin '62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress) '47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project) ‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily) ‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence) “I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one! Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop! USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
