E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

Technical Shop => Wheels, Tires, Brakes, Suspension & Steering => Topic started by: Daveh on August 15, 2017, 08:28:40 AM

Title: Brake Cable To Firewall Grommet
Post by: Daveh on August 15, 2017, 08:28:40 AM
Hey guys,

I went to install my emergency brake in the car last night and could not get the new grommet that goes against the firewall to fit over the cable.  There was no way to put it on.  I ended up splitting it in half and installed it.  I figured I would jut just a tiny amount of RTV on the seam.  Does that sound about right?  Thanks
Title: Re: Brake Cable To Firewall Grommet
Post by: anlauto on August 15, 2017, 10:18:28 AM
The correct grommet has a metal insert, making it difficult to "split in half" . Is yours the correct one ?
Title: Re: Brake Cable To Firewall Grommet
Post by: Shane Kelley on August 15, 2017, 10:46:28 AM
The new E brake cable comes with that already on it. The replacement might be all rubber so it can be installed. If it fits over the cable and fits snug in the hole you will be fine. :alan2cents:
Title: Re: Brake Cable To Firewall Grommet
Post by: Mrbill426 on September 15, 2017, 05:34:47 PM
So how does one install a "correct" grommet with the metal insert onto a replacement front cable?  :notsure:

:wrenching:

Quote from: Shane Kelley on August 15, 2017, 10:46:28 AM
The new E brake cable comes with that already on it. The replacement might be all rubber so it can be installed. If it fits over the cable and fits snug in the hole you will be fine. :alan2cents:
Title: Re: Brake Cable To Firewall Grommet
Post by: Burdar on September 15, 2017, 05:38:10 PM
I just bought a new front cable from Inline Tube. It came with the grommet and clips already installed.
Title: Re: Brake Cable To Firewall Grommet
Post by: Mrbill426 on September 15, 2017, 06:10:19 PM
Inline Tube here too.... no grommet.... bought over a year ago.  I see new "correct" grommets for sale (alone) so there must be a plan somewhere.  :clueless:

:wrenching:

Quote from: Burdar on September 15, 2017, 05:38:10 PM
I just bought a new front cable from Inline Tube. It came with the grommet and clips already installed.
Title: Re: Brake Cable To Firewall Grommet
Post by: Shane Kelley on September 16, 2017, 04:47:18 AM
Quote from: Mrbill426 on September 15, 2017, 05:34:47 PM
So how does one install a "correct" grommet with the metal insert onto a replacement front cable?  :notsure:

:wrenching:

Quote from: Shane Kelley on August 15, 2017, 10:46:28 AM
The new E brake cable comes with that already on it. The replacement might be all rubber so it can be installed. If it fits over the cable and fits snug in the hole you will be fine. :alan2cents:
That I don't know. That's why I made sure it came on the new cable. I can't see how it will fit over the ends. You might be stuck buying a new front cable with it already on it.
Title: Re: Brake Cable To Firewall Grommet
Post by: Burdar on September 16, 2017, 11:55:03 AM
My Challenger cable came from Fine Lines. It didn't have the grommet on it. I had to buy it separately. I don't remember how I installed it. Maybe push larger and larger sockets through the grommet until you have it expanded just enough to slide it over the cable end.
Title: Re: Brake Cable To Firewall Grommet
Post by: Mrbill426 on September 16, 2017, 05:19:47 PM
Both ends of my Inline Tube front cable look like this; no grommet.   :(



Quote from: Burdar on September 16, 2017, 11:55:03 AM
My Challenger cable came from Fine Lines. It didn't have the grommet on it. I had to buy it separately. I don't remember how I installed it. Maybe push larger and larger sockets through the grommet until you have it expanded just enough to slide it over the cable end.
Title: Re: Brake Cable To Firewall Grommet
Post by: Burdar on September 16, 2017, 08:13:41 PM
Here's my original cable.  The cable diameter isn't that much smaller then the end.  You should be able to pull the grommet past the end with a little lube.
Title: Re: Brake Cable To Firewall Grommet
Post by: Mrbill426 on September 16, 2017, 08:29:38 PM
I still have my original and it looks just like yours, grommet and all.  The replacement grommets I have seen look like they have metal in them, but my original is all rubber.  I am not sure what "locks" them into the firewall as they are not grooved; smooth sides like yours.



Quote from: Burdar on September 16, 2017, 08:13:41 PM
Here's my original cable.  The cable diameter isn't that much smaller then the end.  You should be able to pull the grommet past the end with a little lube.
Title: Re: Brake Cable To Firewall Grommet
Post by: RUNCHARGER on September 16, 2017, 08:42:15 PM
Those metal prongs sticking out of the rubber grommet lock it into the hole in the firewall. They are generally rusted away on old grommets.
Title: Re: Brake Cable To Firewall Grommet
Post by: Burdar on September 16, 2017, 08:47:04 PM
Yah, the metal in them usually rusts away.  The cable was installed from the INSIDE.  The cable was probably installed on the mechanism first, then the cable was pushed through the hole in the firewall.(from the inside) The "tabs" should be visible from the wheel well.
Title: Re: Brake Cable To Firewall Grommet
Post by: Mrbill426 on September 16, 2017, 08:47:57 PM
So the prongs are just embedded in the rubber, or are the protruding from a washer molded into the grommet?  I'll have to take another look at my old one, but it looked like the "prongs" were rubber.



Quote from: RUNCHARGER on September 16, 2017, 08:42:15 PM
Those metal prongs sticking out of the rubber grommet lock it into the hole in the firewall. They are generally rusted away on old grommets.
Title: Re: Brake Cable To Firewall Grommet
Post by: Burdar on September 16, 2017, 08:51:26 PM
On my original grommet, the rubber was molded around the metal prongs.  On the reproduction, the prongs just stick out of the rubber.
Title: Re: Brake Cable To Firewall Grommet
Post by: Mrbill426 on September 16, 2017, 08:56:48 PM
Ok, so maybe if they are not part of a molded-in washer the re-op could be stretched over the end of the assembled cable.



Quote from: Burdar on September 16, 2017, 08:51:26 PM
On my original grommet, the rubber was molded around the metal prongs.  On the reproduction, the prongs just stick out of the rubber.
Title: Re: Brake Cable To Firewall Grommet
Post by: HEMICUDA on September 17, 2017, 05:25:16 AM
If you're looking for an exact reproduction, I made them for Fine Lines.  However, I think Bob sold is remaining inventory to Jim at Detroit Muscle Technologies.  I even had the "H" & "B" molded into them.  The easiest way to install them on new cables is boil a cup of water and throw the grommet in, grease the end of the cable and you'll get it on.  All originals have a metal ring with the tabs stamped into it.  Two of the three tabs are bent to hold the grommet in and the other was used for alignment.