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Question:

Rear brake system parking brake question?

2000 Ford Mustang V6I am changing my rear rotors and pads due to extreme wear and tear they are the stock system from 2000 never been changed The caliper is in excellent condition though and I was wondering do I have to disconnect the parking brake ive seen other people asking the same question else where but am unsure I have all the tools needed to reset the piston and all but do I really have to remove the parking brake cables I heard they are a pain to reattach.

Answer:

LEAVE the e-brake ALONE. As a general rule, if you do not use the e brake. Never, and I mean never try it!! Once you stop using them, over time the cables rust and then someone pulls or applies the e brake and there you're stuck. You'll have cut the cables or pay a tow truck. On the other hand, if you do use the p brake often (You only need it if its a stick shift) The answer to your question is no, you don't have to remove the cable to change pads and or rotors. Good luck!
I am a foreign car mechanic, so I can tell you about similar systems: when the e-brake works through a caliper (disc brakes) the pistons have to be compressed (to make room for the new, thicker pads) by compressing and rotating clockwise at the same time. This takes a special tool (may be available for loan from Checker or AZ?). Once compressed and the new pads/rotors installed, they need to be set or adjusted. If you don't, they can tighten while you drive and lock up tight where the car will not move at all. To set, pull up the e-brake 3 clicks, then depress the brake pedal hard about 50 or 60 times. This will take all the play out, and releasing the e-brake will then give you enough clearence to allow the rotor to turn freely until the brakes are again applied. Again, these instructions are for foreign cars, but I think the systems are nearly the same.
I would invest in a repair manual such as Haynes , Chiltons or one of the others , they aren't real expensive, 20 bucks or so , and may come in handy if something else goes wrong. As far as telling you about the cable , I just don't know.

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