Cable that connects to the brake pedal could be disconnected upon impact?

Tiny
PEGGIE TRUDEAU
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 GMC YUKON
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
What is the likelihood that the cable that connects to the brake pedal could be disconnected upon impact with a tree at 30-35 mph?
Tuesday, April 9th, 2019 AT 7:29 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

If you are referring to the primary brakes, there is no chance. The brake system is hydraulic and doesn't have a cable. If, on the other hand you are referring to the parking brake, it has a cable. Here are two guides to help you service the parking brakes.

https://youtu.be/uo1RnATyEok

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/parking-brake-shoe-replacement

Let me know what is happening so I can better direct you.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, April 9th, 2019 AT 8:06 PM
Tiny
PEGGIE TRUDEAU
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It appears that the first report was not quite accurate. The rod that connects to the hydraulic system? Was bent. Driver was going roughly 30-35 mph and the brakes completely failed after impact it was clear the driver had tried to apply the brakes as the pedal was still to the floor.
What could have been the cause for the brakes to fail?
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Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 AT 9:45 PM
Tiny
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Welcome back:
If the pedal was to the floor, it could have been a few things. First, no brake fluid. If there was a leak, the fluid would have drained from the system. Second, a rusted steel brake line may have ruptured when the brakes were applied. Third, a rubber brake hose which attached to the brake calipers may have ruptured. Also, the master cylinder could have failed. The interesting thing is the rod that you refer to. There is a rod that attached to the brake pedal and goes to the master cylinder. Honestly, I have never see one bend. Could he have hit the brakes that hard?

Without being there, it is hard to determine the cause. If, however, you have access to the vehicle, take a look under it for any wet spots which may indicate a brake fluid leak.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, April 11th, 2019 AT 5:36 PM
Tiny
PEGGIE TRUDEAU
  • MEMBER
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No leaks, still had fluid, no rusted brake lines or ruptured hoses. The brakes were not functioning and the female driver after several failed attempts to apply the brakes stood on the brakes using the steering wheel for leverage. There were absolutely no skid marks on the road and the brake pedal was still to the floor after impact.
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Monday, April 22nd, 2019 AT 12:01 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Honestly, then either the rod to actuate the brakes broke, one of the mounts for the brake pedal broke, or the master cylinder failed.
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Monday, April 22nd, 2019 AT 5:38 PM
Tiny
PEGGIE TRUDEAU
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
The accident report stated that a cable that connects to the brake pedal was disconnected. Is that possible?
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Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019 AT 4:33 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Welcome back:

There is a cable to the parking brake pedal, but to the brake pedal there is a steel rod. Yes, it can come disconnected, but that is really unlikely. If you look at the picture I attached, it shows the push rod that I mentioned. The end that has the number 2 pointing to it is the part that is in the vehicle that attaches to the pedal.

Let me know if that helps.
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Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019 AT 7:46 PM
Tiny
PEGGIE TRUDEAU
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Thank you so much for your help.
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Monday, April 29th, 2019 AT 10:45 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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You are very welcome, Peggie. Let us know if you have questions in the future.

Take care,
Joe
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+1
Monday, April 29th, 2019 AT 7:15 PM
Tiny
PEGGIE TRUDEAU
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Hey
Another question.
If the rod was disconnected, would it register on the cars computer that the brake pedal was pushed?
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Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 7:57 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Welcome back:

If the rod came apart, it wound not set a code.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 6:11 PM

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