I'm about ready to take an angle grinder to the damn thing since its on my parts car, but the one on my driver is not so great and I'd like to salvage it if I can.

Anyway, how do you get the E-Brake cable out of the drum brake backing plate? I've tried about everything I can think of without applying too much force. I just want to know for sure how this thing comes out before I start reefing on something (probably the wrong thing) and break it. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated... <---- And what the hell is that?

 

I have a Haynes manual here, and from that and your photo, the cable should pull out in the present configuration.
The sleeve that protrudes through the backing plate is of course fixed. The flange on the cable assy must be frozen to the sleeve on the outer side of the backing plate... Give that flange a twist as it should be free.

 

I had to remove mine to redo the rear axle bearings. I remember it being a BITCH to get off. If I remember right it involved lots of heat using a torch and penetrant ( Liquid Wrench ). Also, make sure you remove the c-clip that holds it in, at least I think there was a c-clip. Can't rememebr right now.

 

just remove the clip, its not hard at all, dont use a torch youll melt the plastic cable cover, it should just twist/slide out once you have all the brake parts out

 

Thanks a lot for the input guys! I just didn't want to start wrenching on the wrong part and break something (and my Dad said I'd never learn!)..... The clip has already been removed, so I guess I just have to open up a can of Incredible Hulk and show it who's boss.

 

Second that, you have to be careful you don't melt the plastic cable covering. I did have to use heat on mine it was welded in by rust. Had to keep soaking it in penetrant and heating it up. I heated it from the inside of the brake backing plate to avoid scalding the plastic cable too much. When you put it back together slap some grease or anti seize on it so next time its easy.

 

I've got disk brakes on the back of my 82 and the e-brake cable is frozen in the frame. I tried EVERYTHING to get it out, but the thing won't budge. Its rusted so bad that it actually looks like 1 part as of now. Looks like I have to fabricate a new peice for that spot after I cut it out of the frame. But the point of the story is that its most likely the cable is just rusted into the backing plate. You may not be able to get it out.

 

Any chance you could use a grinder to cut it off where it passes through, then grind a littl right there. Then maybe you could use a punch to drive it out the other side...