MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Maintenance, Problems & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: ramiroelliot on October 14, 2024, 11:45

Title: mr2 roadster 2001 handbrake cables
Post by: ramiroelliot on October 14, 2024, 11:45
HI would anyone know how to change the handbrake cables.

Thanks!
Title: Re: mr2 roadster 2001 handbrake cables
Post by: Joesson on October 14, 2024, 12:30
Hello and welcome to our second new member of the day.
As is usual, in such circumstances straight in with the awkward question.
To change the brake cables on our MR2 mk 3/ Spyder the fuel tank needs to be lowered to get to the mid point fixings.
Replacement with OE Toyota cables is generally recommended, but some Members have had success ( to date) with aftermarket cables.
They are handed and iirc PFL and FL cars have different cables.
Much has been written on the subject of these cables and someone with experience of replacement may come along , meanwhile " search" may help further.

Title: Re: mr2 roadster 2001 handbrake cables
Post by: Carolyn on October 14, 2024, 12:50
Remove the centre console, slacken the cable from the handbrake lever so you can pop the cable ends from the cross-bar.  Remove the retaining brackets that hold the cables down.

I remove the bins behind the seats, so I can keep and eye on the connections for the fuel pump and make sure they aren't strained as I lower the tank.

Underneath:

You need to lower the fuel tank (not remove it). Lower it so you can get at the cable retaining brackets above the tank.  I take out two of the four bolts that hold it in and replace them with longer threaded rod with nuts, so I can drop it enough without dropping it all the way.

Remove the spring clips (or split pins) from the vertical pins that attach the cable ends to the levers on the calipers.  Using a hammer and punch knock the pins upwards until they come out out (you may have to soak them in penetrant). 

Using a large flat-bladed screwdriver and hammer, knock out the retaining clips that hold the cables to the forks on the calipers.  Release the cables from the forks.

Undo the bolts above the tank that hold the retaining loops on the cables (two on each cable).

Pull the cables out from inside the car.

Reverse the above with new cables.  Make sure you install them on the correct side (they are slightly different lengths).

Order the correct cables for the year of your car.  Be wary of aftermarket cables.
Title: Re: mr2 roadster 2001 handbrake cables
Post by: Jared on October 14, 2024, 14:33
I think you should be 100% sure that its the cable and not the set up that's the problem with the handbrake as from what I have found its the set up of the rear caliper
Title: Re: mr2 roadster 2001 handbrake cables
Post by: Carolyn on October 14, 2024, 15:05
Quote from: Jared on October 14, 2024, 14:33I think you should be 100% sure that its the cable and not the set up that's the problem with the handbrake as from what I have found its the set up of the rear caliper

It can be both.

Read this:  All will become clear(er)

https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?topic=68798.0 (https://www.mr2roc.org/index.php?topic=68798.0)
Title: Re: mr2 roadster 2001 handbrake cables
Post by: Gaz mr-s on October 14, 2024, 15:10
If yoo disconnect both ends & can move the inners, you might be able to save them. Cables first freed in 2019 are still on the car.
Title: Re: mr2 roadster 2001 handbrake cables
Post by: Joesson on October 14, 2024, 15:35
@ramiroelliot
See above, that "Someone" came along, thank you @Carolyn

Just a suggestion but post #2 should be put into the " How to" section.
Title: Re: mr2 roadster 2001 handbrake cables
Post by: Ardent on October 14, 2024, 19:19
The longer threaded bar and nut idea.
Well played.