Handbrake cables

[Danevansgolf]

Quick question.
Drivers side handbrake doesn’t seem to grip the wheel any more.
I’ve recently refurbed the rear callipers , ie stripped down,sand blasted and new pin, and piston set.
Since putting back together the drivers side handbrake doesn’t grip, I’ve tried adjusting in the cabin, but there isn’t anymore room to tighten the cable anymore.
Does this mean the cable is stretched and I need a new one. Pass side works beautiful.
And also if I have to change the cable, is it pretty straight forward??
Cheers all.
Daniel.

[dapinky]

Daniel,

because of the design of the cable adjustment at the interior end, the 2 cables remain 'balanced' on the pivot bar - so shortening one will have an effect on both (or either?) side caliper. So if one side is shorter than the other, by adjusting the other one, it will still allow extra movement on the 'fully adjusted' one.

If both are at full adjustment (or even if not) I would expect that the fault lies within the caliper itself. With the handbrake off there should be slack in both cables, and the levers should be resting on the cast lug of the calliper (pulled by the spring).

It sounds like the one side isn't getting a full movement of the lever (cable adjustment should help, on either cable! - if it doesn't then the cables are possibly stretched too much and need replacing).

If there is a full range of movement at the lever, and it still isn't working, then it suggests that the piston isn't operating correctly, and needs to be adjusted. To do this 'automatically' you need to ensure that you operate the handbrake whilst NOT using the footbrake. For initially setting it up, you may find that by simply removing the lever from the caliper, rotating the shaft 90 degrees with a spanner and reapplying the lever, it works correctly. If it goes too far it can cause the pads to not release fully - but 10 minutes to get the wheel off, disconnect the cable and see if the lever (operated by using a set of pipe grips/mole grips or similar) will lock the disc as you work it will help to narrow down where the fault lies.

[Danevansgolf]

Cheers for the advice. I’ll have a look tomoz and let you know. Other than, when are you making a trip to cardigan, then we can do it together, and you can pass your wisdom over to me.

[dapinky]

Dan,

I am getting through the (long) list of jobs to do on the house - but still lots left!

However, the garage is now finished, and most of the garden.... so just inside jobs for the Winter (mainly!!).

That said, I expect that I could put in a Leave Request with the director of Household Management should you require any assistance.

[Rambo]

Good luck with that then Dave. SWMBO won't be very happy. It's incredible how many things the fairer sex put on a list for you to do and none if them involve cars. Unless, of course, her car needs a wash or has a faulty handbrake cable that needs replaced

[dapinky]

I don't even get 'told' when her car needs a service or wash - I'm just expected to know these things! Angie is so good at checking her car that she was driving with a front tyre at about 10psi for a week until I used it to go to Tesco one day ... but then it 'magically' fixed itself once I got the air line out..... and topped up the washer bottle, oil and coolant.

[Danevansgolf]

Afternoon all.
Took the handbrake lever off. Turned the Caliper 45-90 degrees. Put it back together and hey presto both rear wheels have grip. Re adjusted the lever in the cabin, and all works perfect. Thanks very much. Hopefully get this rocket back on the road one day. Now the secret saving starts for a respray, before that though, new house roof needed, new garage roof needed. Obviously the garage roof gets preference.
Thanks all for your help.