Problems with the FFS Hi Spec Rear Calipers ?

[Steve A]

How do you feel now

Like the standard set up, there not without problems, it's encouraging to see that some people
are getting on without issue's (so far).
I'm committed to having them so watch this space, I will be commenting on how I get on.

[Denny]

Regardless of some people finding it acceptable it’s probably not a good long term situation. HiSpec will probably change the design. Paul should ask if his calliper is coming back with the same spec as it started off with. If it isn’t they could all do with changing.Ray

I think I'll wait for the change in design and if it doesn't happen, I won't bother

[Alan_C]

From what you can see from the outside ....

Does it look as if the calliper lever could be acting bang in the centre of the piston?

Or does it look as though it's unlikely to be?

Ray

No, it doesen't act directly on the piston at all, the handbrake lever on the calliper actuates a seperate self-contained small piston which closes off the main fluid passage and then acts hydraulically on the brake pad pistons. As I said earlier, the handbrake is hydraulic, not mechanical. It seems to be the seal on this small piston which leaks if it is operated with excessive pressure in the main (foot brake) system. At a guess, the size of this small piston is wrong, as if it were smaller it would generate greater presure on the main pad pistons, and also allow the handbrake lever to travel further. As I also said again, this type of handbrake is illegal to use on a UK (or pretty much any country) road car. Construction and use regulations require a fully mechanical handbrake, but this may be open to interpretation, as the calliper itself is operated mechanically so far as the handbrake cables operate a lever. When I last spoke to Hi Spec, he did mention that a few cars failed an SVA test with these callipers due to the design, which is why they released a range of handbrake callipers funny enough, callled SVA calipers, which can be seen on their main page, and even more strange, there is no longer any information on the calliper we're using.

[Dico]

I've just received my caliper back from Hi spec. A very speedy service indeed. However I was a little disappointed with the instruction they supplied, not so much with the content, tho that in itself is rather odd- "Release the footbrake before applying the handbrake" (Wow, that could prove difficult if not impossible at times) but on the rear of the instructions in large capitals was the word "READ". Maybe its just me being touchy?

Ray, I can only assume they haven't altered anything on the caliper and have just refurbed it.
I have a feeling it won't be long before I will be requiring their services again.

edit- I've just read the 'Action taken' notes. It reads- "Failure due to not following instructions on disclaimer"

I am at a complete loss how I can possibly carry out this procedure on say a hill start at traffic lights for instance- "Release the footbrake before applying the handbrake".

[Enright]

Hmm, so you effectively have to go down into 1st (or coast the last bit) relying on gravity to stop you, and apply your handbrake at exactly the right moment? And get it right EVERY SINGLE TIME?
What about if you have to brake late and don't get chance to chug up to the lights?
What about if you decide to hold the car on the footbrake expecting them to change soon but then they don't?
Are you just supposed to let the car roll back and then catch it with the handbrake?
What if someone has already pulled up too close behind you?
What about if someone buys a car with these on and subsequently has an accident due to driving normally? Sorry but I'd have to side with those who say 'Not Fit For Purpose' in this case.

[RayD]

... the handbrake lever on the calliper actuates a separate self-contained small piston ...

... the handbrake is hydraulic, not mechanical.

... this type of handbrake is illegal to use on a UK

Thank you Alan, and sorry for not reading your previous post properly.

When you say “self contained” does it somehow have its own separate fluid?

Or ... is the fluid somehow separated to allow it to continue to work after a main hose failure?

Would the handbrake continue to work after the main hydraulics have failed?

Would it work at all if the calliper was empty of fluid?

Out of interest one click on an SE handbrake cable moves 4mm. If there’s any positive leverage involved at the calliper the piston stroke must by short.

Ray, I can only assume they haven't altered anything on the caliper and have just refurbed it.

Thanks Paul,

While everyone seems to be taking it in good part, if it were me, I’d send them back for a refund. It's what they’ll be expecting.

Ray

[Dico]

I've sold my original ones so I'm a bit knackered there. I do have a new set of Dormans somewhere tho last time I tried to dig them out I couldn't find them anywhere.
With regard to a refund, I'm going to see how other folk proceed as I've much more important issues to deal with at the mo.

[ashm]

I'm starting to feel happier about not getting rear HiSpecs along with the fronts. Think I'll just keep my stock rear calipers well maintained and be content with the slight forward bias.
One other thing I recall wondering about was whether the stock spare wheel will fit over HiSpec rear calipers?

Adam

[Monty]

I have no problems applying the handbrake whilst i`ve got my foot on the brake pedal

[Steve A]

Nobody will have a problem using the hand brake along
with the foot pedal, it boils down to what effect it has
on the seals, some seem to be luckier than others.
I can't believe Hi Spec's attitude towards the customer.
Imaging Watch dog doing a feature on this!

[ailwyn]

Monty, (and anyone else) Keep a close eye on those seals! If unchecked you could end up with a small weep, but you don't actually notice until you NEED the brakes and they are not there.

I was lucky, driving early morning with not much traffic I noticed a very long pedal.... got home and checked, the inside of the rim was soaked in fluid!

[RayD]

I emailed HiSpec asking if one of their Technical people would give me a ring in the hope of improving matters.

One of their people kindly rang this afternoon.

I’ll list the main points rather than try to formulate a story...

Some people have been using them successfully for a number of years, mainly on kit cars.

The handbrake shares the same fluid as the footbrake but is somehow separated such that in the event of a main fluid loss the handbrake would continue to function. It wasn’t absolutely clear if a car lost pressure in both sides of the dual circuit, or if it didn’t have a dual circuit the handbrake would continue to work. Or if it did, whether it would work more than once.

On this particular calliper applying the handbrake while the footbrake is depressed causes a seal to move in a way it would not if the handbrake was applied separately. Over time this movement causes wear on a seal which subsequently leaks.

During repair they are renewing the seal.

They were not aware of the problems caused by the short stroke of the calliper lever.

They are no longer producing the callipers.

HiSpec are keen to make sure everyone is happy.

They have a new, better handbrake calliper coming out shortly.

People should contact them with their concerns.

They will be able to exchange them for a current different type – or wait for the new one to become available – or if they are particularly disappointed, have a refund.

Ray

[Monty]

Thanks for doing that Ray, just hope the new design fits straight on

[RayD]

Thanks Jay,

Obviously any alternative will also need to be appropriate for the system.

I told the gent I spoke to about LEC and there’s a reasonable chance he will pay a visit.

I have his name should anyone need it.

Ray

[Dico]

Very interesting Ray. Thanks for your effort.

[Steve A]

Good work Ray, it's good that Hi Spec are being positive about all this, if their not careful they'll end up with good customer feed back.
It sounds like they recognise the short comings of the callipers and have decided to withdraw it, but I don't think they'll admit that
The fact that a newer model is replacing the old speaks volumes, if it ain't broke you don't need to fix it

[ailwyn]

Rather than getting in touch separately would it be a better idea to try and get exchanges done for those that want it as one group?

I don't mind doing the organisation, time permitting.

My thoughts on the next steps are:
1. Find out how many sets of calipers we are talking about
2. Get the dimensions of the replacement caliper (or an alternative of similar style/size) to establish if anything needs changing from the original kit, if so what.

Post up here if you have calipers that you want exchanged
1. Ailwyn (Gold)
2. Ailwyn (Black)

[Jackonicko]

How about getting Hi Spec to supply 90° banjos for the fronts, as well. Could save them a fortune in litigation.........

[RayD]

Ailwyn,

From my conversation with them I don't think they would mind either way.

With most people involved having HiSpec fronts you might as well take advantage of their expertise in choosing the rear calliper having regard for balance, pedal travel and the dual circuit system.

Jon,

90º banjos may not be the answer ... you need to find out first before deciding ... the hose needs to be bending in the middle as the wheels steer with the minimum of strain on the couplings.

Ray

[ailwyn]

Jon,

As these are REAR calipers I won't bother thanks... my fronts are just fine. If it's something you want how about picking up the phone??

Ray,

Appreciate where you are coming from, however having already shelled out for the whole kit I want to minimise additional outlay... going to Hi Spec for a solution they would start with a clean sheet.

Happy to take any advice though on any adapting required of the current setup to accommodate the replacement calipers, be that from yourself, Bob, or Hi Spec.

Thanks

Ailwyn