Handbraks n/s MOT FAIL!

kwnelson · September 12, 2018, 15:46

Have Eric in today for MOT. FAILED only on n/s handbrake. Garage phoned me to let me know, and said if I could leave the 2 there, they would try to fix it later, perhaps foolishly I agreed, told them how to get at the adjuster under the centre consul, and left it at that. I had a go at this fault, which was known to me, prior to the test and thought there was a small improvement, I had replaced the cable for the last MOT so this was OK, caliper has been replaced recently together with the pads before I had the car. BIG THOUGHT. I never checked the pins to see if they were free. BIG MISTAKE

I think this could effect the efficiency of handbrake? A quick response could see me scutlering up to the garage.

Mr X · September 12, 2018, 18:34

Just not set up correctly by the sounds of it.

Optimus prime · September 12, 2018, 21:10

I've got an MOT booked for the end of this month and I fear my handbrake is going to fail. After some investigation work it seems that both cables are free but the passenger side brake is the one that provides the majority of the braking force (i found this when the car was in the air). Under the centre console both cables have equal force applied to them as the yoke is square when the handbrake is applied BUT as i release the handbrake the passenger brake cable retracts further than the drivers side so the yoke is no longer square.
I've read the BGB and it's interesting to read about the auto levelling feature for the handbrake cable but i doubt it will level to that degree...
What do you think could be wrong?
What are these 'Pins' you talk about?
The current theory is that the cable has become stretched - is that likely?

kwnelson · September 13, 2018, 00:15

The pins to which I refer are the pins that the whole of the caliper slides back and forth, in and out as the caliper piston applies pressure to the pads when the foot brake is pressed. The whole of the calliper is fitted to a cradle by 2 "pins" one top and one bottom. This mechanism is well documented in "How to" on this forum, have a look at " rear brake pad replacement" or "rear caliper" renewal. Good photo's provided.

kwnelson · September 13, 2018, 00:51

Just noticed your post Mr X, come on, how is the set up done? apart from cable adjustment, is it
a caliper/ piston/lever juggle? Hopefully my garage will sort this form for me, and I may not ever need this knowledge, but you never know, and I am sure "Optimus Prime" would like to be informed.

Optimus prime · September 13, 2018, 06:30

+1 👍🏻

ilovejapcrap · September 15, 2018, 22:19

I really don't get the handbrakes I e just done mind today on new recon callipers and it's still just ok.

My Suzuki swift looks to have a very similar set up and they are awesome.

I do wish you could adjust each cable at the handbrake end

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

kwnelson · September 16, 2018, 00:35

MOT passed. Handbrake Sorted! I'm away for the W/E, but you can rest assured come Monday I will be ragging Andrew Robinson's vehicle technition for the full story. I think it will be my favoured mechanical Guru Ian, NO NEW PARTS USED(he has a wand) watch this space!!!

Optimus prime · September 17, 2018, 12:19

i'm really looking forward to what you have to say. it could save me pulling out the fuel tank!

...but i'm starting to think i have a stretched cable

Carolyn · September 17, 2018, 12:38

Quote from: Optimus prime on September 17, 2018, 12:19
i'm really looking forward to what you have to say. it could save me pulling out the fuel tank!

...but i'm starting to think i have a stretched cable

You don't have to pull the fuel tank out, or even disconnect it, just loosen the mounting bolts and drop it four inches. Gives plenty of room to do cables.

kwnelson · September 17, 2018, 14:11

Talked to, as I guessed, Ian at Richmond Garage Services Ltd when I collected Eric and his new MOT. He explained fully, Mr X explains the same on "Maint probs" "possible sticking caliper", earlier today exactly what the process is to achieve what is still a poor, yet acceptable, hand brake. take note Ilovejapcrap and Optimus prime.

Optimus prime · September 19, 2018, 09:30

After doing the diagnostics (thanks kwnelson) I was certain I had a stretched cable. replaced it last night and done the reset procedure and it's certainly much better now. It wasn't a pleasant job and i had sheared a couple of M6 bolts that I will sort out later.

Thanks for the help!