Patent ID: 8051745

Claim:
A method for measuring a tensioning force applied to a park brake cable system, comprising: operably engaging a tensioning apparatus with a park brake cable of a brake cable system, the tensioning apparatus including a housing that contains a load cell, and the brake cable system includes an equalizer adapted to balance tensions in at least two lengths of cable, and a nut operably associated with a threaded rod, the nut including a surface for operably engaging the equalizer; operably connecting the load cell with an end of the park brake cable, the load cell positioned at a first position within the housing prior to operably connecting the load cell with the end of the park brake cable; using the tensioning apparatus to tension the park brake cable to a first level by positioning the surface of the nut away from the equalizer; moving the load cell from the first position to a second position within the housing; after moving the load cell from the first position to the second position, applying compression forces to the load cell by using the tensioning apparatus to tension the park brake cable to a second tension level higher than said first tension level; relieving the tension level in the park brake cable to a third level; and using the load cell to directly measure the second tension level.