Part 13 Restoration of a 1974 Jeep CJ5 - Freeing the Frozen Emergency Parking Break Cables

 Part 13 Restoration of a 1974 Jeep CJ5 - Freeing the Frozen Emergency Parking Break Cables

The back two lines (cables as shown in the first photo) of the parking brake were froze and I really did not want change them at this point. First problem since it’s a 1974 I’m dealing with, parts are not as plentiful as most other years. 72-75 seems to be the black sheep of the family and i haven’t found the participate line yet. So the question at first, with the type of line (first picture) if I spray the outside with blaster, will it soak through the wrap or am I just destined to try and remove them? As is soon found out, there is a lining that would prevent anything outside getting inside, so time to make a new plan.

As of a few days ago I built my first brake line and now I once again have brakes. Also the brakes themselves are not great, but will work for the time being. A brake job will be further down the line.

Right now I just want to get the parking brake working.

I devised this plan. I unhooked the lines from the balancer and the front line. Fortunately for me, the rear deck is still missing, so I had easy access. I took a couple small Ziplock bags, sniped a bottom corner and pulled the over the cable. I made a couple wraps of electrical tape and tighten a small hose clamp to hold fluid.

I started with PB Blaster. I half filled the bags and put some cardboard under the tires to catch the run out. It took two days to see any activity.

Second fluid was diesel fuel. I let it set overnight. The next day one was slowly running and one needed more time.

I added some motor oil to the one that seemed to be working, but overnight it went no where so I went back to diesel fuel for another pass. 

It took some time but they both eventually started dripping motor oil.

I also could not find the back clip for the font line. I made on out of sheet metal and bolted it to the tub.