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Parking Brake Cable Firewall Grommet Installation Tip

themechanic

Oklahoma is OK
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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.

IMG_0010.JPG
 
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.

View attachment 602400

Thanks, I still have to get my cable out of the frame, pretty rusted in there
 
Thanks, I still have to get my cable out of the frame, pretty rusted in there
Just grind a bit into the clip with a dremel and cut off wheel then use a chisel and hammer to push it forward toward the front of the car through the frame. Be careful not to cut into the cable if you plan to re-use it.
 
Not re-using the cable, I was going to just cut the cable at the frame with cutoff wheel. Replacing this cable is a first for me.
 
Not re-using the cable, I was going to just cut the cable at the frame with cutoff wheel. Replacing this cable is a first for me.
Here is a picture of the retaining clip that fastens the cable to the frame. Just cutting the cable will not work to remove the cable housing.

21cN8SiKqAL.jpg
 
I'm glad I posted this when I worked on the Coronet since I had fogotten how to get the grommet on the new cable I bought for the Cuda.

Here's where you can buy the cable collar clip since it doesn't come with the cable from Rock Auto.

Costs $3.50

https://www.inlinetube.com/products/pbk03
 
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.

View attachment 602400
@themachanic
Just came across this older thread. Thanks for posting. I’m doing the same thing but I have a 65. Your hardware is different than mine.
My grommet was missing so I am not sure if it mounts outside or inside the firewall. Looking at your picture, the grommet mounts from the outside and the 3 metal tangs pop thru the hole into the interior, correct? You don’t bend the tangs over the firewall correct?- it seems they would break pretty easily.
 
Outside in and the metal tangs are supposed to be spring loaded and just pop in. It takes a good bit of effort, though.
 
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