Patent ID: 7373856

Claim:
A method for forming a brake actuator for applying tension to a brake cable connected to the brake system of a motor vehicle, the method comprising: providing a brake actuator lever; providing a cam member, including progressively stamping a sheet metal flange portion that is part of and integral and continuous with the cam member to (a) initially bend, by stamping, the flange portion at an angle to the cam member and then (b) further bend, by subsequent stamping, the angle portion of the flange portion into a general U-shape so as to define a cable guide with opposing side walls for receiving the brake cable and enabling winding thereof onto the cam member, wherein the opposing side walls are integral and continuous as one-piece with the cam member; providing a mounting bracket; and pivotally mounting the brake actuator lever and the cam member for pivotal movement relative to the mounting bracket in brake applying and releasing directions, the cam member being provided on the brake lever such that the movement of the brake lever in the brake applying direction winds the cable onto the cam member for applying tension to the cable for activating the brake system.