themechanic
Oklahoma is OK
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- 12:36 PM
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2012
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- Location
- Moore, Oklahoma
I am posting this since I couldn't find the information I needed here to install a new firewall grommet on my new parking brake cable. I tried heating the grommet but found it cools way too fast to be practical. The following method will not distort or tear the new grommet.
First I had to remove the 40 year old cable. I just ground the retainer clip that fastens the cable to the frame since I had a new cable and fastener. I tried using the hose clamp method to remove clip but mine was super rusty and the clamp kept sliding off.
Now onto the grommet. It's just like installing the wiper arm pivot seals. You have to stretch the rubber out until you can slide it over the flange on the cable.
I started with a deep socket that tapers to a larger diameter using first a 3/8", 7/16", 1/2". Once on the 1/2" socket slide the grommet onto a rear shock bushing I had saved. This is because the socket has a square end that will not fit over the cable. Finally, since the sleeve is the same diameter as the cable flange you can slide the grommet onto the cable. I also used some silicon lube on the grommet.
First I had to remove the 40 year old cable. I just ground the retainer clip that fastens the cable to the frame since I had a new cable and fastener. I tried using the hose clamp method to remove clip but mine was super rusty and the clamp kept sliding off.
Now onto the grommet. It's just like installing the wiper arm pivot seals. You have to stretch the rubber out until you can slide it over the flange on the cable.
I started with a deep socket that tapers to a larger diameter using first a 3/8", 7/16", 1/2". Once on the 1/2" socket slide the grommet onto a rear shock bushing I had saved. This is because the socket has a square end that will not fit over the cable. Finally, since the sleeve is the same diameter as the cable flange you can slide the grommet onto the cable. I also used some silicon lube on the grommet.