Parking Brake Handle Upgrade/Simpler Replacement?
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 5
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Parking Brake Handle Upgrade/Simpler Replacement?
Hi all, I've got a problem with the parking brake handle on my 93 coup. The brake isn't engaged, and the handle doesn't seem to want to lock it into place. However, I can get the brake to function if I really pull on the whole mechanism (I unbolted it) and hence pull the cable. I think something pretty severe has broken in the handle and I can't seem to figure out how to remove the cable from the handle because of the way the whole mechanism has been rotated around.
I'll take all advice for fixing, replacing, or even just removing this handle, but I was also thinking about replacing it with something else entirely. After all, the cable just needs to be pulled for the brake to be engaged. Can this handle be replaced with a "normal" locking one? Even if it sticks up constantly while engaged, I'd almost just prefer that and have simplicity instead of dealing with the apparent mess that comes stock on these cars.
I've just been leaving the car in 1st to park it since I got it, but the drivers seat is out and I figured I'd take a look. Almost considering keeping a set of wheel chocks with the car instead of fixing it at this point lol. I'll get some pictures next time I go to the garage, but it could be a bit because of all the snow. Thanks for the help.
I'll take all advice for fixing, replacing, or even just removing this handle, but I was also thinking about replacing it with something else entirely. After all, the cable just needs to be pulled for the brake to be engaged. Can this handle be replaced with a "normal" locking one? Even if it sticks up constantly while engaged, I'd almost just prefer that and have simplicity instead of dealing with the apparent mess that comes stock on these cars.
I've just been leaving the car in 1st to park it since I got it, but the drivers seat is out and I figured I'd take a look. Almost considering keeping a set of wheel chocks with the car instead of fixing it at this point lol. I'll get some pictures next time I go to the garage, but it could be a bit because of all the snow. Thanks for the help.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2020
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From: Stay dangerous my friends
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 5
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It's definitely not just a stretched cable. The mechanism doesn't ratchet correctly at all. I gotta get some pictures I suppose.
That hydraulic idea is super cool, although not really what I was looking for. Thanks for the suggestion!
That hydraulic idea is super cool, although not really what I was looking for. Thanks for the suggestion!
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
I took a look at it again and realized it wasn't actually hard to remove at all. I think what had happened is the pawl locked up and wouldnt come down to lock the parking brake in the up position. Some penetrating oil loosened it all and I think it'll work fine now, I just gotta put it back in the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,895
Likes: 592
From: New Port Richey FL
I took a look at it again and realized it wasn't actually hard to remove at all. I think what had happened is the pawl locked up and wouldnt come down to lock the parking brake in the up position. Some penetrating oil loosened it all and I think it'll work fine now, I just gotta put it back in the car.
