Just got a 95 ls400 and I need to fix the parking break

[Allen95ls400]

Hey all, I got this 95 ls400 and it’s got a couple problems from previous owners:( but currently looking for new parking brake shoes and the cable that connects between the back wheels cause my driver side parking break shoes are completely gone and the cable end is broke off so the cable is in the hose lol any help would be greatly appreciated still learning haha

[Malc]

Hey, welcome to the club .....  we're a friendly helpful bunch here with quite some experience with these cars ..........  ( hopefully )

To my knowledge my 95 Ls400 has never had a parking brake issue ( in 238k miles ) ...........  I'm understanding they are very thin " shoes"  from new and probably look as tho' they're ready to be replaced ....  the cables might be available from Lexus Main dealer .......  but I doubt it so try    Lexuspartsdirect    a well known, on here,  purveyor of essentials for our cars 

Others here might have better knowledge I'm sure

Can you tell us more aboiut your new acquisition please ?    and where are u based ?

Good luck whatever

Malc

[steve2006]

Hi Allen and welcome to the LOC.

From Lexus you are looking at £70.00 for the rear right cable section and £60.00 for brake shoes for both sides.

As Malc mentions even new brake shoes only have 2-3mm of material on them so with a good ruff up with sandpaper and drum surface clean they may be OK.

There are aftermarket replacements on fleabay but no idea on quality

[Howplum]

It might be a good idea to replace both cables and ensure the whole system works without any binding. Also, correct adjustment of the linkage and shoes is vital. I did mine two years ago but now need to readjust it. Finally, lack of use will cause problems at a later date.

[TimUK]

21 hours ago, Howplum said:

It might be a good idea to replace both cables...

You may struggle to find a new left hand cable.  I had to replace both sides earlier in the year and had to resort to a good used one for the left side as I couldn't find a new one in stock.

[steve2006]

It’s been 2 weeks......wonder if he fixed it?

[Allen95ls400]

2 hours ago, steve2006 said:

It’s been 2 weeks......wonder if he fixed it?

Lol no I haven’t I work a lot and only have weekends to work on this dang car and have a lot on this car to fix😂

[Howplum]

Persevere, it will be worth it in the end.

[Mikaelse]

On 4/6/2022 at 9:11 PM, Allen95ls400 said:

Lol no I haven’t I work a lot and only have weekends to work on this dang car and have a lot on this car to fix😂

I have had a some issues with the parking brake on my 1995 and are learning about what not to do. I tend to normally not use it.  IT is probably essential to adjust it as manual says and lube stuff so that it works well and then use the parking brake regularly.
That means in Our swedish climate at least a few times a week or so I guess. The quick WD40 lubricant fixes on wire etc did not last very long.  When the thing seemed to be sluggish to release used it less often and then it got worse fast. 
It may bind a bit and then the thin brake lining may overheat and become bad. Happened once. I have changed brake linings every 3 years or so. 

[Malc]

and my experience .........  239k miles just about and    NEVER  been changed / replaced    to my knowledge  ...  and I rarely use it, just a very few times a year if I'm parking somewhere a little challenging, a bad slope maybe

Malc