E-brake installation

[0z0ne]

Alright, so for those of you who have read some of my posts...you know I'm a n00blet. But some of you very kindly encouraged me to do some minor work of my own on the car so that I can better orient myself with car mechanics (because i'm a n00blet who wants to learn).

So...

I am registering my first Festy today, but do not want to cruise around without my e-brake (which wasn't installed when I bought it). I was just wondering if installing one is something a novice could do without professional equipment?

Should I just bring the cable into a garage to have it done?

Thanks guys

[Charlie1717]

You should be able to do it. Don't have time to write out the process but it is pretty simple (especially if the nuts aren't rusted on to the metal). But it's a great first project I'd say.

Does yours have the old e-brake cable on it, just broken? If so that will help you see what needs to be done.

Someone should be able to explain better what to do.

[0z0ne]

I don't believe there is a cable in it at all, but I'm not entirely sure.
Well Charlie, you certainly boosted my confidence and motivated me!
Now all I need are some step by step how to's

[FFW]

Sometimes going to the junkyard looking another festiva, will give you an idea how things works.

[doylerl]

Use google my friend:

http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/fordguy4u/2009-11-12_193242_A1.pdf

[thered56]

^ handy write-up

Should I just bring the cable into a garage to have it done?

I don't believe there is a cable in it at all, but I'm not entirely sure

There isn't a cable in it right now and you have a replacement? Take a look under your car and find out why it's not working before you get started, just to make sure.

I definitely wouldn't recommend bringing it to a shop if you want to learn to work on your car. I think this is a pretty simple project, just be careful if dealing with rusty bolts. Patience and penetrating oil. Good Luck!

[kartracer46]

Use google my friend:
http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/fo..._193242_A1.pdf

Haha doylerl, I was thinking the same thing till I saw your post. I was going to scan the page and send it to him. I would rate this as a good beginner project as well. You will need to remove the back seat and both back wheels to make the task easier. There is a bracket under the carpet with two phillips screws that needs to be loose in order to feed the cable through the floor, the pins at the arms at the backing plate have a very small cotter key that can be pesky too. Other than that it pretty straight forward if you follow the workshop manual instructions.

[freshtiva]

Use google my friend:
http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/fo..._193242_A1.pdf

Good work doylerl !

[bhazard]

I wouldn't be too worried about driving one of these without an ebrake. That's pretty much how they came...

[Charlie1717]

I wouldn't be too worried about driving one of these without an ebrake. That's pretty much how they came...

True true. My blue festy doesn't have one and hasn't since day 1 (of my ownership of course :p)

[thered56]

I wouldn't be too worried about driving one of these without an ebrake. That's pretty much how they came...

lol yup....but for winter driving a handbrake comes highly recommended!!

[WmWatt]

Replacing the brake cable was one of the first things I did when I started doing my own repairs so it can't be difficult for a beginner. However I did have the old one to take off as a guide. I seem to remember a nut at the front was on tight, not rusted, and hard to get off. Also a hanger near the gas tank was rusted and I used a piece of wire instead. It's a good idea to coat the cable in grease or wax to keep water out before installing it.

[frankm201]

If you live any wear near snow e-brakes are a god send I love when people look at me while I drive sideways yezzir

[0z0ne]

Lol, e-brake drift, eh?

I just wanted to thank you all for replying to this post (esp doylerl!); I must sound like the n00b that I am!

Just one question, must I have the car jacked or lifted at all to get at the underside?

If it says that in that guide, forgive me, i've not looked at it yet.

Busy busy day, got the car registered... woohoo!!

thanks guys!

[thered56]

[QUOTE=0z0ne;396288Just one question, must I have the car jacked or lifted at all to get at the underside?[/QUOTE]

You pretty much do. Any work underneath is too tight for most people. It just makes things easier, which translates to a job better done is less time. Besides that, you're gonna be taking off the rear wheels anyways.
So, in short, Yes.