Handbrake

[tomato]

So watched loads of video on how to adjust the handbrake as was getting 10 clicks and car just about holding.

Have played around and now 3 to 4 clicks its tight and holding so much better.

However, it still awful on a steep slop.

Suspect the issue is the metal thing that connects to the two brakes cables on the wheels is not straight so when you pull the handbrake and the single wire pulls the metal thing it should pull them equally, but it currently lob sided.

How on earth do you adjust that metal thing to get it straight, totally slackened it off and got it straight, but when tighten it gone lob sided again.

Maybe I need to replace cables, but they look OK.

What am I missing?

[Carolyn]

Read https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?topic=68798.0

When you say the cables look OK, have you disconnected them at both ends and tested to see how smoothly they move?

A lob-sided balance bar can be the result of a binding cable, a stretched cable (when disconnected do they have the same length of inner cable exposed). A seized piston can also cause the problem, or the handbrake mechanism in the caliper could be binding.

It could just be that you haven't done the basic adjustment procedure (pumping the pedal with the cables slackened off) correctly. 

The uneven pull is just a symptom that says something is awry.

You have to investigate the possibilities, which are listed in the 'how to'.

[tomato]

Thank you, more investigation needed, will have a read and a play.

[Gaz mr-s]

Are the rubbers on the ends of the cables intact?  - a very common problem.

[fawtytoo]

Sometimes, the "holding" is stiff cables that you're relying on. If you replace the cables, buy Toyota and replace them both.

I have new Toyota cables adjusted to 7-8 clicks and hold on an incline just fine.

[tomato]

Are the rubbers on the ends of the cables intact?  - a very common problem.

Rubbers look good. One cable just does not move much.

[tomato]

Sometimes, the "holding" is stiff cables that you're relying on. If you replace the cables, buy Toyota and replace them both.

Was going to get some from mr2 BEN, seems good for bits.

[Iain]

Was going to get some from mr2 BEN, seems good for bits.

Make sure you get the ones suited for your car, either pfl or fl. PFL ones are slightly shorter than Fl.

[tomato]

Is there a difference between pre and face lift? On the site it shows 2 so will need pre for mine.

[tomato]

https://www.mr2-ben.co.uk/products/553
So the pre 08/2022 for me.

Thanks for all advice too 😁

[mr2garageswindon]

Word of advice, spend the extra money and go genuine cables.
I have had to fit various aftermarket cables and they aren't very good.
Try Paul at TCB 1st, they are where I get my cables from (Cheaper than MR2 Ben)

[Joesson]

@tomato
As above, although I have bought from MR2 Ben who have a comprehensive web site, I have found that a phone call To TCB is the lowest cost way to get parts.
Sometimes it is difficult to contact TCB as I believe he works solo and is often busy, for a reason, some persistence during working hours via the telephone will get good results.

[fawtytoo]

Word of advice, spend the extra money and go genuine cables.
I have had to fit various aftermarket cables and they aren't very good.

This happened to me. A garage insisted on after-market ones. Only lasted a year.

[Joesson]

@tomato
Sometimes mentioned are the brake cable end rubber gaiters. My understanding is that these have perished on several Members cars and Toyota do not offer a replacement part. They may of course come with new Toyota cables.
If not other Members have replaced the perished items with similar made for the MG F.
Mine were OK when I overhauled the brakes and simply packed  silicone grease into the bellows, being careful to work some into the ends of the cable while not overfilling the bellows.
https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?msg=871359
See post #18

[tomato]

Wow who knew handbrake cables can cause so much trouble 

Will give Paul a call at tcb, not the cheapest but prefer to get genuine given my drive is on a slope 😀

Thanks for all the advice.

[Gaz mr-s]

As said MR2 Ben is expensive. I've never bought a single thing.

I wouldn't be buying new cables until you prove one is seized...which is caused by the rubber disintigrating.
I released 2 cables in 2018 & they're still on the car.

[Carolyn]

I got OEM ones from GT4Play at a very good price.  Aftermarket ones are not up to the job.  A pair I got (and returned) simply didn't fit.  The mounting brackets were all wrong.

[Alex Knight]

To add some balance, I fitted ADL Blueprint cables in 2017 and haven't once had an issue with them.

[JB21]

Aftermarket ones work just fine if you source the correct PFL or FL cables required from a reputable manufacturer. I use Borg and Beck with zero problems now going on 12 months.

2 main issues when the handbrake doesn't work is cables and the handbrake mechanism on the caliper, check the latter first before purchasing new cables.

Below is the Borg and Beck cables both pre and facelift.

FL cables I can vouch for that work fine:

https://www.arnoldclarkautoparts.com/products/borg-beck-brake-cable-part-no-bkb3403

https://www.arnoldclarkautoparts.com/products/borg-beck-brake-cable-part-no-bkb3402?_pos=2&_sid=9fbf59c4b&_ss=r

PFL I cant vouch for as I haven't fitted them personally, but if the FL cables are anything to go by they will be fine.

https://www.arnoldclarkautoparts.com/products/borg-beck-brake-cable-rh-rear-part-no-bkb2902?_pos=4&_sid=2cefa1512&_ss=r

https://www.arnoldclarkautoparts.com/products/borg-beck-brake-cable-lh-rear-part-no-bkb2901?_pos=5&_sid=2cefa1512&_ss=r

[mr2garageswindon]

I just priced FL cables from TCB as I have one in needing cables and sub frame.
Cables are £48.85 + vat each to me..
No brainer in my opinion.

[normanh]

MR2 Ben I found to be a perfect gent to deal with when I purchased the offside cable, sourced from Germany. No issues fitting at a local garage. I went back to MR2 Ben for front suspension legs and mount great service.

Norman

[tomato]

Have got OEM ones now from TCB, thanks for all the advise.

Unfortunately I am one of these people who often just replace parts so I then know exactly how old and condition they are in, just I know that certainly not the most economical thing to do, but with stuff like brakes I want them tip top 😁

Will be off to garage on Friday for fitting and checking the rest of the system including getting them to do a really good look around to get a shopping list 🤣

Already replaced missing bolts, screws and clips on the car, well the ones I have found so far.

[tomato]

All fixed, was a badly stretched brake cable, so glad bought oem replacements.

They gave the car a good look over, will need a front shock absorber at some point but apart from gave the car a green light of health, always nice on a 23 year old car 😁

[J88TEO]

I don't park with the handbrake on - I leave it in gear so not to stretch the cables. Only use them occasionally to make sure the cables are not sticking.

[Alex Knight]

I don't park with the handbrake on - I leave it in gear so not to stretch the cables. Only use them occasionally to make sure the cables are not sticking.

This is exactly what I do.