Handbrake Cables

[BlackIce]

Ok so my handbrake doesn't work properly and I need a completely new set of handbrake cables. I was quoted over $300 for parts and labour at Midas. Is there a place where I can go that does it for way less than that? Seems too expensive. The part costs about $170 and the labour was about $140.

[stevenma188]

The part is ~120-130 (can't remember exactly) from Mazda. Labour seems probably about right.

[McGuyver_3]

what do you expect labour and parts to be? 100$? Its not a walk in the park to change the handbrake cables. And parts are not cheap either. If you want to save money go and do it yourself.

[peterm15]

I wouldn't use Midas but the price does not sound unreasonable.
There is many shops in the sponsors section you can try. A lot of people on here will suggest street performance ( not a sponsor) as well.

[Booter22]

sadly the cables being what they are being a full replacement front / back set, actuall time to take can be well over 2-3 hours if they are all seized together, and then that plus parts. thats a pretty decent price. but if you find it to much, buy the cables and replace them by yourself and save on the labour.

sadly this is the way it goes. no problem to spend on mods "Borla CBE, Speedline 3pc Splitter, 17" Enkei Ammodo Rims, Black Brake Calipers, RallyArmor Mudflaps, LED Side Markers, Stubby, AE-Style Grill."

but when its actual repairs and parts required its :bang too much money.

[Mazdy]

Ebreak cables are $90 at the mazda dealership....and i got quoted $100 labour on one of our sponsor shops..

So thats $190+tax

[Odin]

Ok so my handbrake doesn't work properly and I need a completely new set of handbrake cables. I was quoted over $300 for parts and labour at Midas. Is there a place where I can go that does it for way less than that? Seems too expensive. The part costs about $170 and the labour was about $140.

It just completely stopped working or it's on it's way to broken? How did you find out? Did you wake up one morning to find your car rolled itself into the middle of the street?

[BlackIce]

It just completely stopped working or it's on it's way to broken? How did you find out? Did you wake up one morning to find your car rolled itself into the middle of the street?
Apparently its completely seized now. Before the handbrake would clamp the brake disc but it would barely grip it so thats why I wanted to get it checked out. I got new pads and discs but now the cable just completely locks in place once I pull it up. I donno if Midas made it so once you pull it up, it stays up but now it just stays in place once pulled up and they said my cables are seized now.

So one morning I got into my car and brought my parking brake down like normal and then when I got to school, the hand brake didn't have any tension until the very end of the pull. It barely grabbed my brakes so I got new pads and discs and they said that the handbrake should work like normal after that. After they replaced everything, they tell me my cables are seized and all. And now when I pull the parking brake up, it says up.

Thats my story.

P.S. I always put my car in first gear when I park so i don't always leave the entire weight of the car on the parking brake.


Ebreak cables are $90 at the mazda dealership....and i got quoted $100 labour on one of our sponsor shops..

So thats $190+tax

See this is more of the price range I was expecting. I wasn't expecting a cheap repair but $320 seems to be way overpriced.

[Booter22]

so call the dealer. order the brake cables. pick them up and call a sponser for a price quote, and get them installed there if cheaper from where your are quoted originally.

goood luck! :thumbsup

[jay93]

did my lines a few months back when i did my breaks. 205$ for cross drilled with pads and 80$ for the ebreak lines. Labour just dinner for my buddy for helping me do it all.

[RedRaptor]

Ebreak cables are $90 at the mazda dealership....and i got quoted $100 labour on one of our sponsor shops..

So thats $190+tax

+1. I had mine replaced earlier this year and this was approximate total I spent.

[KenYork]

Not a hard project to do. Just more of a hassle to get under the car to do it all. Did my 3(when I had it) just over a month ago.

[BlackIce]

Ebreak cables are $90 at the mazda dealership....and i got quoted $100 labour on one of our sponsor shops..

So thats $190+tax
Which sponsor did you use? I'm gonna call jimmy and compare quotes between him and the sponsor you used. Thanks for letting me know that I can get the cables for only $90. Saved me from getting ripped off by midas with their $170 parts price.

[nuttygent]

Just did mine and bought the Mazda replacement part...120 bucks. The replacement parts are much improved design but not a job for those not handy with wrenches, about 3 hours on a driveway or 2 on a hoist! Good luck.

[Shawn]

For $120 from Mazda, is that all three cables for the parking brake?

[Dave_The_BMXER]

Street Performance did mine for about 190

[stock3]

You can try this fix. I did that last spring and the hand brake works like it should to this day.
I also helped out a friend with his completely seized parking brakes and the fix is still holding.
You may want to give it a shot, as the parking brake cable is usually not totally ruined, but needs some cleaning up and some lube.


http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?63690-Possible-e-brake-cable-fix&highlight=

[Shawn]

Yep, was thinking about that, but I have tightened the handbrake before and it is still stretching, but maybe that will work until it is warmer to be under a car for an hour.