Can't disconnect hand brake cable from backing plate.

[licketysplit]

First post, so sorry if this topic has been covered, but I couldn't find info for busses. Anyway, trying to remove my backing plate on my 1966 bus. I can't figure out how the Hand brake cable disconnects from the backing plate. There is no bolt on the back side. Do I have to disconnect from the hand brake itself?

Thanks,
Toby

[Clara]

[licketysplit]

Thanks Clara,
So I started pulling on the u-shaped clip and noticed it cracked a little bit. I wasn't pulling on the spring at the time. Just worried that when I pull the spring, then the clip, that it might break or not be able to go back on. Do you have any advice on what to do if the clip does break?

thanks

[sgellis]

[licketysplit]

Thanks sgellis

I looked at that thread, but it didn't say where he got that clip. I pm'd GLHTurbo, he's the one that posted the pic of the clip. Do you happen to know off hand where to pick one up?

Thanks

[sgellis]

[nlorntson]

I've made them out of spring steel. The metal bands used on packing crates can also be used to cut one out.

[hazetguy]

use a horsehoe clip that is originally used for holding the e-brake arm mounting post to the brake shoe. crimp it slightly, enough to fit in the backing plate opening, and enough for the spring to set on it well, but not tight on the cable. fast, easy, inexpensive, works great.

[licketysplit]

So I followed Clara's advice, but the cable would not come out of the backing plate. I was able to pull on the backing enough to get it around the spindle. Hopefully I didn't ruin the adjustment on the hand brake. Fortunately I was able to preserve the metal clip on the cable. But I bought a pack of horseshoe clips just in case.

Any other ideas on getting the cable through the backing plate?

Thanks for all the help

[sgellis]

I was replacing mine so I cut the cable and drove the casing out with a large punch.

Maybe try penetrating oil and a small punch to drive it out. Carfull not to hit the cable though. Unhooking the cable at the front will allow you to get the spring out of the way.
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[nlorntson]

[hazetguy]

it's also a lot easier to work with if the backing plate is still bolted to the reduction box.

[grizpdx]

I swear by this stuff. Far better and far faster results than PB Blaster.

Begins buying stock in deep creep.