Handbrake problems

Started by CB 1971, July 1, 2022, 20:03

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CB 1971

Hi all,car failed mot last week handbrake on drivers side seized ,about two years before had  new cables fitted,anyway garage renewed caliper and cable on drivers side ,hand break not brilliant but passed mot,after driving car noticed caliper hot on side they changed,I do trust garage who fitted new caliper and cable,when I took center console out I find the new cable hardly moves its not seized because if you slacken it off it returns to where it should,but there is far more travel in one side than other,could it be that other side is problem as being too short.dont know what make cables where used renewed in past,am I better off just getting genuine Toyota cables and replacing,

MrChris

Did you have one or both calipers replaced? I've just been through freeing up my cables, but I replaced both my calipers with new then used plenty of WD40 to clean then machine oil to lube.

Ardent

#2
I know it boils down to money. But if you are going that route, I feel it is false economy not to have the genuine article. I accept some aftermarkets probably work ok, but there are plenty of stories that have ended in tears.

@JohnGee is the guy to talk to, on the basis of having just imported cables from Japan, cheaper than he could get here, even after extras. If time is not an issue, worth considering.

Alternatively
Not sure where you are based so might be a non starter. But I have a set of unknown brand cables that came off an 02 plate. Look in good condition. Rubber boots all good cables move freely.
You could have those for £50 the pair.
Let me know.

Iain

Ive found that the genuine cables fix most issues.

Joesson

@CB1971

As mentioned elsewhere I reset my handbrake today and I believe all is OK.
I have fitted new calipers to the rear and found that both OE cables  were moving freely and the rubber boots were in good order. I lubricated that end with silicone grease.
The new caliper pistons seemed to be correctly set for hand brake operation and that was the case when I followed @Carolyn 's How To.
If your garage has changed only one caliper and it's cable that could be the reason for the imbalance
It maybe also that one or other of your pistons are not correctly set, they both must start from the same relative position to effect equal operation, particularly of the hand brake.
From your current situation I suggest slackening the cables fully, from inside the car. If the cables are not seized it should be possible to see if there is any difference in length available at the other end, it may be easier to check if you remove the pins from the cable yokes. You can then more easily check for free movement and lubricate as necessary and refix to the caliper lever arm.
The rear calipers need to be opened as if changing the pads and the pistons wound all the way in and then backed off half a turn or so ensuring the Vee grooves are in a N/S position to engage the drive pin on the back of the pads,
(With a sealed system you will likely loose some fluid from the brake reservoir and so put rags or other means to catch the fluid. Remember it likes to damage paintwork and that you will need to replace with clean brake fluid).
This is the starting point for the handbrake operation.
Reassemble the pad assemblies and close the calipers.
Then follow @Carolyn's How To, in short-
Pump the brake pedal 20 times or more to move the pistons onto the pads.
Adjust the cables from inside the car.

The above from what I have gleaned on this Forum, thank you Carolyn, and having just done the work myself.

Ardent

@Joesson

Out of interest, with the handbrake in the off position.
Have you noted if the crank arms on the calipers are resting against the stop pins or are they away from the pins?

Ardent

Using Amayama as a ref point. As I have said before. When you look at the path the cable takes. It is a wonder it works at all.
https://www.amayama.com/en/genuine-catalogs/epc/toyota-europe/mr2/ZZW30R/2694/chassis/4601

JohnGee

@Ardent @CB 1971

My order via Amayama worked out at £125 (£35 for each cable plus £55 delivery - ouch!), but still quite incredibly half the price quoted by Mr T in the UK.

Took a couple of days to confirm the order and the delivery charge and they then took just under a fortnight to get to me.

Very hard to beat (unless you need them immediately).
John

2006 Roadster, manual, leather, in Sable

Joesson

Quote from: Ardent on July  1, 2022, 21:57@Joesson

Out of interest, with the handbrake in the off position.
Have you noted if the crank arms on the calipers are resting against the stop pins or are they away from the pins?

I recall reading something about that. However I did not check as all seemed to be moving otherwise in accord.
I'll try to have a look, now from under the car!

Ardent

Not easy to see. Please do not put yourself to the trouble.

I recall them needing to be on the stops.
But when I was playing around previously, to get to the OEM 5-8 click standard, taking up the slack in the adjustment link cable inside the car, that brought the arms off the stops in the off position.

Anyone removed the adjustment cable and measured it?
A new one should be 265 268mm

Alex Knight

I fitted Blueprint cables in 2017 and have never had any issues or had to adjust them.

They are £35 each.

1979scotte

Quote from: Alex Knight on July  2, 2022, 07:37I fitted Blueprint cables in 2017 and have never had any issues or had to adjust them.

They are £35 each.

Perhaps you change the pads more often as you go on track.
Also you do all your own maintenance don't you?
So you know it always done right.
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Free Ukraine 🇺🇦

Gaz mr-s

I looked at one on Toyota's ebay shop yesterday. There's 15% off.  £100 for one cable. Still a shocking amount. Another 5% off can be had by waiting for a 20% offer.  If I needed cables I'd be doing research to find out which aftermarket do work.

Ardent

See #7 seems a good alternative.

Bossworld

Cheap cables are a false economy, there are different lengths listed for PFL and FL. Toyota have separate part numbers for PFL and FL too.

Some eBay suppliers just quote 1999 to 2007 across the board and you can end up in situations such as the one you describe. Often manifests itself as just one side properly engaging even if everything's setup properly at the caliper end.

mr2garageswindon

IF... TCB answer the phone its worth giving them a try 1st. I was very surprised at the price I last paid. Was under £100 for the pair...

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