Just got another year's mot ticket but had the following advisory... "offside hand brake low reading".
Can anyone give me some advice as to what to investigate first to try to resolve this sort of issue, should I start at the caliper end or adjust at the handbrake?
Do the pads have an interference fit to the disc or is there a gap between the pads and disc?
how many clicks on the handbrake?
Quote from: Ardent on March 11, 2022, 22:12Do the pads have an interference fit to the disc or is there a gap between the pads and disc?
how many clicks on the handbrake?
I will take a look this weekend and update. I know that the handbrake can be an issue so I have made a point of leaving the car in gear when parked rather than use the handbrake. Not sure if that's wise with hindsight, perhaps using the handbrake More would keep everything operating as it should?
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on March 11, 2022, 22:38I will take a look this weekend and update. I know that the handbrake can be an issue so I have made a point of leaving the car in gear when parked rather than use the handbrake. Not sure if that's wise with hindsight, perhaps using the handbrake More would keep everything operating as it should?
It's a good idea to make sure it's free-moving, but actually applying it won't help it. Undo the tension inside the car so that you can remove the clevis pins at the calipers. Assuming the clevis pins aren't rusted-in..... Stainless clevis are available on ebay.
Are the rubber bellows around the inner cables intact.? If not, you will be getting watery-crud down your cables. There isn't a proper part to replace, but if you look up MGF gear cable rubbers on ebay, you'll get two for about £6. They're a tight fit. Trim them, lube them inside, & 'screw' them on. Cable tie both ends. If the handbrake cables have muck inside them they can be lubricated with 3 in 1 oil (or similar) & worked to free them. It can take
hours to do. Undo the bracket further forward that supports them & drop them down to ground level.
Using something like a deep socket, move the handbrake lever on the caliper. It should arc & the pads clamp the disc. And it should return to it's 'off' stop, - which it may not do if the cables are sticky.
Quote from: Gaz mr-s on March 11, 2022, 23:39It's a good idea to make sure it's free-moving, but actually applying it won't help it. Undo the tension inside the car so that you can remove the clevis pins at the calipers. Assuming the clevis pins aren't rusted-in..... Stainless clevis are available on ebay.
Are the rubber bellows around the inner cables intact.? If not, you will be getting watery-crud down your cables. There isn't a proper part to replace, but if you look up MGF gear cable rubbers on ebay, you'll get two for about £6. They're a tight fit. Trim them, lube them inside, & 'screw' them on. Cable tie both ends. If the handbrake cables have muck inside them they can be lubricated with 3 in 1 oil (or similar) & worked to free them. It can take hours to do. Undo the bracket further forward that supports them & drop them down to ground level.
Using something like a deep socket, move the handbrake lever on the caliper. It should arc & the pads clamp the disc. And it should return to it's 'off' stop, - which it may not do if the cables are sticky.
Thanks, that's most helpful, I'll be tackling it over the weekend all being well 👍.
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on March 11, 2022, 23:53Thanks, that's most helpful, I'll be tackling it over the weekend all being well 👍.
MGF gaiters:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/113230491760?hash=item1a5d103070:g:SnkAAMXQUmFSphV6
Here's our 'How to' on handbrake stuff:
https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=68798.0 (https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=68798.0)
Second the clevis pin check but beware they can be a pig to remove. Note before you try this to determine if the cable is moving at all dont pump the brakes with the cable detached the slack will be taken up and you wont get the cable back on if its seized I found that out recently
Decent replacements - cables from MR2 Ben
Norman
While at my local AD having some work done on my Avensis I asked the service manager who has a couple of MR2s for a quote to replace the hand brake cables on a MR2 MK3, £550 !!
Quote from: TheTigerUK on March 13, 2022, 08:08While at my local AD having some work done on my Avensis I asked the service manager who has a couple of MR2s for a quote to replace the hand brake cables on a MR2 MK3, £550 !!
Ouch! Definitely something I would have a go at myself then 🤔.
Quote from: TheTigerUK on March 13, 2022, 08:08While at my local AD having some work done on my Avensis I asked the service manager who has a couple of MR2s for a quote to replace the hand brake cables on a MR2 MK3, £550 !!
Wow, when you say he has a couple of MR2s, is that 2 that he owns and runs or 2 that come into him for maintenance. In 3 years of ownership I've never been over impressed with the handbrake performance, have recently managed to adjust it to something a bit more confidence inspiring, but I think I'll stick with my plan to swap them both when I have access to a lift (and before the next MoT).
Moved to Thoughts.
Any best practice tips on prolonging handbrake life (ie actually to use it or just leave the car in gear instead), and any tips or hacks for continuing to use cables once they stretch beyond the ability of the adjusters to cope any more?