Parking brake release handle replacement

[ChevLoRay]

On my '96 GMC, I was releasing the parking brake a week ago and the handle came off as I pulled it. I was able to release the brake but then wondered about fixing it. I know, there's probably a bunch of you whe don't use it, but I do. MSHA (Mines Safety....) made sure we had 'em set on the job and in our POV's. So, it's a habit.

Anyway, the cable ass'y that releases the brake is what I have to replace. From the looks of the new part, and in looking at where it goes...it's a twisting motion that removes the part from the lower dash panel. Question is whether or not to remove that lower panel or just twist the part while it is still installed in the panel. With my luck, I should have left the panel in place instead of pulling the panel, but my Chilton's manual says to just twist it to remove it.

What do y'all do?

[Bob B.]

Yes, it is a 1/4 turn deal, comes in through the back of the lower dash. The cable makes a loop behind the lower dash, and goes through a retainer. Hardest part of the job is getting the handle off!

[ChevLoRay]

Well, thanks! Getting the handle off is what started this event. I pulled on it and still had it in my hand as my hand hit the door panel. I was envisioning some kind of fastener that I couldn't find, until I bought the new cable ass'y at a local GMC dealership. I had looked in one of my many catalogs and saw it priced at $4.95. I figured the shipping would probably be a few more dollars....counting the handling.... and called my dealer. The new GM part cost me $5.38, plus taxes of course.