How long?

[CraigP]

Could do with some general advice,

Took my car down the local garage to get some work done, New pads and disks at the front and the handbrake adjusting. Long and short of it is that they said one of the N/s handbrake cable needed replacing. So have just got the car back, the handbrake stil does nt hold on a hill and unless you pull it up with two hands to the absolute limit. So am gong to take it back, buit also got the bill which I think seems excesive in terms of labour hours. Without giving the game away how many hours would a average mechanic reasonably take to do "fit front brakes & pads and replace the handbrake cable, grease back brakes, and free off pad sliders". I'm sure some could do it super quick, but am just after what would be a reasonable allowed time.

They also advised the ns rear "caliper slider boot was split and out of shap"e. I asked if they could replace it and apparently this would require a new calpier? I'd of thought if the boot is split then water will get in and then seize it up later down the line ? I've seen the kits on ebay so have bought one. Is this easy to fit eg by me, or does the caliper need dismantling etc and I would need to take it to a garage ?

[The Other Stu]

Took me all day, but I reckon a garage could do it in what, 3 hours if they knew what they were doing?

I'll put money on it that a) they didn't bleed the brakes properly afterwards and b) didn't reset them (you need to pump the pedal a dozen times before setting the tension back on the handbrake cable)

[Carolyn]

However, in addition, an open seal could mean a stuck piston, in which case the handbrake won't adjust up.

Replacing seals requires taking the caliper off the car and disassembling on the bench.  Not a job for a beginner.

I'd estimate an hour's labour for the front and two to three for replacing the cable.

[1979scotte]

However, in addition, an open seal could mean a stuck piston, in which case the handbrake won't adjust up.

Replacing seals requires taking the caliper off the car and disassembling on the bench.  Not a job for a beginner.

I'd estimate an hour's labour for the front and two to three for replacing the cable.

I would agree with the 2-3 hours for the cable.
Remember the petrol tank needs to be moved.
Have seen it done quicker but that was by a mechanic with years of knowledge about all MKs of MR2.

[m1tch]

Most of those things on the list are fairly simpleish but as mentioned the handbrake cables run over the top of the fuel tank so it needs to be dropped in order to get to the cables etc - as usual the time is usually taken on getting to the part vs actually fitting it!

[CraigP]

Thanks all I was charged 4.5 hours, so I guess not unreasonable, cost me around £200 including the cable, labour is £35 an hour - however handbrake whilst in theory should be better ? still does nt hold on a hill, so am going the have to go back - what have they missed ? Regards the split, that's just the slider boot not the piston. I've just got some slider boot kit from ebay, is this easy to fit or not for a novice diyer, eg does just the bolt need undoing or do the pads, handbrake etc need taking out ?

[Carolyn]

You could have a go at a slider boot.  Take out the 12 mm headed bolt (on the inside and to the bottom of the caliper)' using a six-sided socket, and the carrier should slide off the caliper, you might have to rotate it back and forth a bit if the big slider is stiff.  Then you can get at the boot.  While you've got it apart, clean both sliders and lubricate with a proper slider lubricant ( such as 'Ceratec'). Slide the whole thing back together and replace and tighten the bolt.  Do both sides.

 I suspect (as Other Stu suggested) they have not quite got the adjustment procedure correct.  

Slacken all tension off the brake cables.  Pump the brake pedal vigorously at least ten times., then re-tension the cables.  It's a satisfying little job.

[The Other Stu]

Slacken all tension off the brake cables.  Pump the brake pedal vigorously at least ten times., then re-tension the cables.  It's a satisfying little job.

Even more satisfying when you've replaced both cables, both calipers, pads and disks and  half of the bolts and you still can't work out why your handbrake is useless!

[Carolyn]

Slacken all tension off the brake cables.  Pump the brake pedal vigorously at least ten times., then re-tension the cables.  It's a satisfying little job.

Even more satisfying when you've replaced both cables, both calipers, pads and disks and  half of the bolts and you still can't work out why your handbrake is useless!

You did,though!!!

[1979scotte]

Slacken all tension off the brake cables.  Pump the brake pedal vigorously at least ten times., then re-tension the cables.  It's a satisfying little job.

Even more satisfying when you've replaced both cables, both calipers, pads and disks and  half of the bolts and you still can't work out why your handbrake is useless!

It's called the joy of MR2s.
All MKs.
Although ours is the worst I think.

[Ardent]

Mine works fine and dandy.

I'll get me coat

[MR TWO]

Mine works fine and dandy.

I'll get me coat

Mine too!

PS. You don't need your coat.  Just put the roof up if its raining, and the heater on if you're cold!

[Carolyn]

Smugness is not attractive.....  The Great Black Woman in the Sky will catch up with you!

[Ardent]

Less smugness, more a beacon of hope and the reward of perseverance.

And what has Serena got to do with hand brakes?

[The Other Stu]

The correct answer to the thread title (given me ear worm for 2 days) is...



..........has this been going on

[Justin.D]

The correct answer to the thread title (given me ear worm for 2 days) is...



..........has this been going on

Damn you. Now I have the same ear worm  s:lol: :lol: s:lol: