Pre-war (up to 1942) Parking Brake

[DAVID E]

Can anyone tell me the best and simple way to adjust the parking brake cable on a 1938 LaSalle

[Tom Boehm]

There is no adjustment at the handle under the dashboard. I assume you want to take the slack out of the cable to increase the braking action. The adjustment is under the car. It is easy to do. The cable goes under the car to the center near the end of the transmission. From there a branch splits off to go to each back wheel. All three cable lengths are adjustable at the junction.

Take the tension off of the cable at the handle under the dash.
1. back off the jamb nut.
2. remove the cotter pin and remove the clevis pin on the yoke.
3. turn the yoke to move it on the threaded cable end.
4. retighten the jamb nut and put the yoke, clevis pin, and cotter pin back.

Start on the center cable and move the yoke maybe 1/4 inch at a time. Try the handle inside the car to see if it feels better. You should not have to adjust the branches to the wheels.