parking / emergency brake cable hook up

[01Z]

My parking brake is not connected to the driver's side caliper. I am missing the lever, spring and retainer clip that holds the sheebang together. It has been this way since purchase and I have now acquired all the missing parts.

It looks nearly impossible to wind the spring around to be able to hook one end into the support mount and the other on the lever. Has anyone here had any experience connecting this all up and can you give me some tips?

thanks
http://i1.tinypic.com/1zxxkq8.jpg

[Chris 96 WS6]

Buy another used caliper?

[01Z]

Well, I spent $30 for the new parts. Shouldn't have but that's how it turned out because I initially just bought the over priced spring and later found that I need a simple retainer clip worth 50 cents for 10 times that amount. I also bought the pin that the spring connects to for another $8 or so. It turned out to be one of those money pit projects for such a basic repair issue.

The parking brake hardware is actually attached to a bolt on section on the axle other than the actual caliper itself I think.

Anyway, thanks and I hope someone else has some other suggestions or guidance. I have not found any online install sites for this sort of thing.

[Chris 96 WS6]

Yeah I am lost on that one. I just know the rear calipers were found on some C4 vettes, 3rd gen and 93-97 f-bodies so finding a used one shouldn't be hard.

[01Z]

I'm probably going to go on the hunt for used parts. This is turning into a disappointing situation. I can't seem to get the actuator arm on the pivot pin deep enough for the retaining clip to latch up. I've fabbed a tool to force it on but still no go. It doesn't appear the actuator is actually moving the caliper anyway. Although its a terrible spot to get a good view I will post some pictures and hope to either get some help on this or at least provide something for the next person who gets into this to consider.

[01Z]

Ha. I finally got it figured out. I think.

My aging eyes can't see anything important any more so I disconnected the parking brake cable and pulled the caliper. I took everything to my work bench where I could get a good angle and pour some light on the subject. I'm embarrassed to say that I was trying to force the actuator lever over the pin that mechanically moves the piston; over riding the hydraulics. Once I saw the pin I was able to push it back and let the notch fit. The lever now goes deep enough to allow the spring clip on the actuator's shaft to engage. Phew!

http://i1.tinypic.com/207qbr9.jpg
A closer look
http://i1.tinypic.com/207qdy9.jpg

[01Z]

Oh man I love it when a plan comes together. The parking brake was only working on one wheel since the day I bought the car 3 years ago. It would barely hold the car on a minor incline. Now that I bought the missing parts and have them on the car, the parking brake is fully functional. Made my day! :)