How do you fix the emergency brake cable on a 1993 Ford Festiva?

Answer 1

The cable most likely snapped near the rear wheels where it passes through a hole on the rear arm. I fixed mine by buying a garage door cable repair kit at the hardware store. ...just a few dollars. I bought the kit for the small wire clamps. I also got some stainless steel conveyor belt pins about the thickness of a wire coat hanger. (Tried that too, but they rust). Inside the car, loosen the cable at the handle as much as possible. Cut the pins to length needed, allowing some extra to hook the ends. Put the pin through the rear arm holes and bend the end sharply. Attach the ends of the pin to the broken cable ends with the wire clamps. You might as well do the other side of the car too. The cable is most likely weakened there as well. As long as you have the car up on stands, it's a good time to get inside the rear wheels and free up the rest of the brake linkage inside. Finally, snug up the adjustment nut on the hand brake lever. Be safe...use good solid stands.