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Parking Brake Release Cable Replacement Cost Estimate

Worried you might overpay for your parking brake release cable replacement? Use Jerry’s GarageGuard to get fair cost estimate for your parking brake release cable replacement.
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John Davis
Expert Automotive Writer
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Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content
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Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

How much does it cost to replace a parking brake release cable?

Plan on paying an average total of $315 to $350+ for the parking brake cable replacement. Your specific bill will depend on your car.
The only part you truly need to buy is a replacement parking brake release cable that fits your vehicle. However, you’ll also need other automotive tools to make the installation process go smoothly. For instance, a mechanic might use a floor jack, lug wrench, parking brake release cable tool, torque wrench, wheel chocks, safety glasses, and more!
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How did we estimate these prices?

Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.
Get a free fair cost estimate for my car

What parts do I need for my parking brake release cable replacement and how much do those parts cost?

The exact parts needed for your parking brake release cable replacement will depend on your vehicle’s specifications, but here are the general requirements:
  1. Parking brake release cable: The release cable disengages the parking brake when the parking brake lever or button is released. The cost of a parking brake release cable varies depending on whether you purchase an OEM or aftermarket part, but on average, it costs between $30 to $100.
  2. Parking brake release lever: If your parking brake release cable is damaged, your release lever or handle may need to be replaced as well. Parking brake release levers typically cost $10 to $50.
  3. Cable adjuster: In some vehicles, the parking brake release cable’s tension is adjusted by an adjuster. A damaged or malfunctioning adjuster will need to be replaced to ensure the parking brake release cable works correctly. Cable adjusters usually cost $5 to $20.
  4. Cable mounting brackets: Typically, parking brake release cables are mounted and secured by clips or brackets, which will need to be replaced if they are worn or damaged. On average, brackets or clips cost $5 to $20 each.
We recommend purchasing these parts at local auto parts stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and NAPA Auto Parts, as well as online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto. We also recommend reputable brands such as ACDelco, Dorman, and Genuine are recommended for parking brake release cable components, ensuring reliable and smooth operation of your vehicle's parking brake system. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model.
Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my parking brake release cable replaced?

If you don’t have a trusted mechanic, don’t worry! Jerry's
GarageGuard™
 is a free tool that can help you compare costs from over 2,500 vetted automotive repair shops in the US. 
Here’s how it works. Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares the fair repair cost estimates from tons of auto repair shops using their actual hourly labor cost. Use the information to find out if you’ll be charged for diagnostic fees or other expenses. Then, read through real reviews to see how customers rate the services.
Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to shop for
car repair
 quotes near you.
167 Reviews
Kwik Kar of Mesquite
address
2122 N Belt Line Rd, Garland, TX
Parking Brake Release Cable Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$450
(Parts - $190, Labor - $260)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$95
Compare this shop for free with Jerry(972) 329-5823
154 Reviews
61 Auto Center
address
1226 Centre Ave, Reading, PA
Parking Brake Release Cable Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$320
(Parts - $190, Labor - $130)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$70
Compare this shop for free with Jerry(610) 370-7224
130 Reviews
DJ's Automotive
address
186 N Dupont Hwy # 7, Newark, DE
Parking Brake Release Cable Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$502
(Parts - $190, Labor - $312)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$149.95
Compare this shop for free with Jerry(302) 322-0606
199 Reviews
Car Doctors
address
8600 E. Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH
Parking Brake Release Cable Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$476
(Parts - $190, Labor - $286)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$128
Compare this shop for free with Jerry(614) 755-2200
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How did we vet these shops?

Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will the mechanic replace the parking brake release cable?

It’s a good idea to take your car to a dealership or a qualified mechanic. Although replacing a cable seems simple enough, some emergency brake cables are combined with multiple cables that run throughout your vehicle, making it a challenge to DIY. 
Plus, a mechanic can inspect the entire braking system, including your brake calipers, brake fluid, brake rotors, and parking brake shoes, to see if any other parts need repairing or replacing.
Here’s how a mechanic will fix your braking mechanism. They will:
  1. Secure the wheels and locate the parking brake cable. If the cable is underneath the vehicle, they’ll hoist or jack up your car.
  2. Remove the dash panels to access the parking brake cable.
  3. Remove the faulty parking brake cable. The mechanic will also remove any support fasteners that hold the cable in place.
  4. Install the new parking brake cable and reattach the support fasteners.
  5. Reinstall the dash panels and check the parking brake to ensure the new release cable works correctly.

What happens if I don’t replace my parking brake cable?

Unfortunately, driving with a damaged or failing cable can cause a lot of problems, including:
  • A completely broken parking brake
  • Noticeable drag on your vehicle
  • Wear and tear on the transmission

What does the parking brake release cable do?

When you push the parking brake pedal button or pull the parking brake lever (also known as the handbrake), the parking brake cable stops the vehicle from moving. If your car has drum brakes, the cable pulls another lever to squeeze the brake shoes, which stops the car. If your vehicle has disc brakes, the cable activates a corkscrew-like device that pushes a piston into the brake pads. 
Either way, the parking brake creates friction that stops your car from moving. Most mechanics and insurance companies recommend applying the parking brake whenever you park your vehicle.

How much time does it take to replace a parking brake release cable?

It generally takes around 1-3 hours for a certified mechanic to complete the job. Most mechanics that provide brake service will perform a preliminary inspection to decide if the cable truly needs replacing. If so, they’ll remove the old cable and install original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Ask your mechanic to use aftermarket parts if you’re trying to save a little money.

FAQs

Changing the battery cables is a quick process for most vehicles, requiring only a few basic hand tools. It’s as simple as disconnecting the terminals, removing the batteries, then removing the cables before replacing them with new ones.
If you’re having a professional change your battery cables—or your car still has a dealership warranty—they can finish the job in about an hour. If you’re changing them yourself, the process may take a bit longer.
If your battery cables are bad, your car won’t start. Corroded or damaged battery cables prevent power from reaching the starter, resulting in an engine that won’t crank. You’ll also have no electrical power since bad battery cables isolate the battery from the car’s electrical system, preventing the lights and accessories from working properly.
Yes, the battery cables are designed to complete the electrical circuit. A loose or corroded battery cable can interfere with the battery charging system and lead to a dead battery. Corrosion can also build up between the battery post and cable, causing electrical resistance.

Meet Our Experts

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John Davis
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Car Expert
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Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience
John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.
Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.
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Jessica Barrett
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Car Expert
Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.
Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
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Kathleen Flear
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Car Expert
Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through  best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.
*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.