Parking brake cables — removal and installation (BMW 3 Series E46)

Removal

1. To access the parking brake lever, remove the rear section of the center console (see chapter 11). The parking brake cable consists of two sections - right and left. The sections are connected at the parking brake lever. Each section can be removed independently of the other.

2. Loosen the lock nut and the adjusting nut of the corresponding cable. Disconnect the cable from the parking brake lever.

3. Place chocks under the front wheels. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it (see "Raising and Supporting the Vehicle").

4. To access the parking brake cables, remove the heat shields (see the relevant part of Chapter 4). Please note that in some models (with engines M43TU and M52TU), it may be necessary to remove part of the exhaust system.

5. Disconnect the front part of the cable sheath from the body, then remove the cable from the guide (Fig. 16.5).



6. Remember the location of the cable and disconnect it from all fasteners.

7. Remove the brake disc of the corresponding wheel (see paragraph 7).

8. Pull the cable towards the brake shoe drive, then press the pin and remove the cable from the drive (fig. 16.8, a, b).

Installation

9. Insert the cable into the brake disc shield and pull it out so that the cable sheath rests against the shield.

10. Compress the cable end sleeve and place it on the brake shoe drive.

11. Installation is performed in the reverse order of removal. Before installing the center console, adjust the parking brake (see paragraph 14).