MOT - parking brake efficiency below requirements

[gazza1286]

MOT failure this morning. Had the car since 2014 and it's never failed before. Used the same testing station throughout and the same tester for years.
The reading was 85 and 84 (L/R). That was described as 'holding pressure' and not a percentage. The tester said that the expected reading should be over 100? The thing is, the handbrake works exactly the way it always has. My drive has a steep incline and it can easily hold on that. The garage seems to have recently installed newer testing equipment and I was told that it automaticlly weighs the car and this was relevent to the scores quoted above?
Anyway, I was advised to clean the linkages etc. The N/S caliper was replaced by me 3 months ago so that side was fully lubed on installation. So why issues with sliders when both sides are virtually identical on the test? I've done what was asked but there is one point which you guys can probably assist me with.

Handbrake cable adjustment at the lever - what is the 'correct' setting? Presently, all slack on the single cable under the console has been removed. This has been the situation since I bought the car. The lever travel is at the top of the boot and there is no discerable slack at the lever when fully released. Can (or should) I take further slack out until I just see movement on the lever at the caliper?

Thanks, if you've got this far!

[Carolyn]

Read this:

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

[Ardent]

The Mr T spec says 5 to 8 clicks at the lever if that helps.

[gazza1286]

Thanks for your guide Carolyn. I've followed that and everything is in order. The handbrake levers on both calipers rest on their stops, so the calipers are fine

Just one point. When you say

 "Re-tension the handbrake so that the brake is full on after six clicks of the ratchet."

Do you mean that further clicks are not possible (even when pulling quite hard)?

Thanks Ardent - At 8 clicks I'm concerned that the tester may claim excess travel!!

[Ardent]

I know they won't be interested but that is what the manufacture states.

If slackened off. You would find there's
in the region of 13 14 clicks.

As the console is removed you could count them. Be interested to know.

[fawtytoo]

That was described as 'holding pressure' and not a percentage.

MOT inspection manual: cars and passenger vehicles

All other vehicles must achieve a minimum parking brake efficiency of 16%.

It seems it's still measured as a percentage. Perhaps you should challenge the MOT failure. Regardless of what equipment he uses, it should be measured the same. At least that's how I would argue it out.

Mine passed 3 months ago at 8-9 clicks without even an advisory.

[fawtytoo]

Although it doesn't apply to our cars, I did find this:
Changes made to brake performance test

The minimum brake efficiency requirement for 'M1' vehicles first used on or after 1 September 2010 has been increased to 58%.

So it's still a percentage.

Ignore this. It relate to the service brake and NOT the parking brake.

[gazza1286]

Update:-

Re-tested today and passed. Happy days! Thanks to all.

[Ardent]

Update:-

Re-tested today and passed. Happy days! Thanks to all.

Pleased to hear, but curious as to what changed?

[ruud2boy]

Reading this thread with interest, as I'm 99% certain mine's going to fail the imminent MOT due to the handbrake.
Is there a way to bookmark threads on this site?

[Ardent]

Unfortunately not.

Post the link to yourself?

[Carolyn]

Reading this thread with interest, as I'm 99% certain mine's going to fail the imminent MOT due to the handbrake.
Is there a way to bookmark threads on this site?

Look in the 'how to' section.  All you need to know is in there.

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

[ruud2boy]

Look in the 'how to' section.  All you need to know is in there.

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

Way beyond my ability TBH.

[Gaz mr-s]

Way beyond my ability TBH.

Now that's not the spirit.... I'd never worked on any other car's handbrake, before the 2 in 2019. Sorted the cables, & never failed an MOT since.

Good write-up by Carolynn....it isn't rocket-science.