I Have A Handbrake!

Message

Warner Bigend · #1 Post by **Warner Bigend** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 10:23 pm

Finally got round to fitting the new cable this afternoon, after much
fun trying to get my new carbs to run right (at least the tickover can
be set lower than 900 now). 
 
I get the feeling the recommended way is to seperate the quadrant off
the front cable section, but I found I could just sneak the end of the
new one through the gap. Chopped the old one off as the locknut just
wouldn\'t undo, too many years of corrosion. Fed the new one through,
hooked it up, applied the handbrake to bed it in. Back out, tighten up
(isn\'t it nice to be able to take the slack out by turning the threaded
bit, instead of taking it off the cylinder/ arm?), yank handbrake on
again, till eventually it was all done. The handbrake is now fully on
at about half the lever height I could get before, and though I cna
still pull away with it on, I have to actually try - Before you could
pull away with it on and not realise! 
 
Still very concerned about the state of the engine, but priority is to renew the MOT, and this is one step closer

#2 Post by **Alan Chatterton** » Thu Dec 08, 2005 5:17 am

To really get the handbrake right, here is what you should do.
Undo the handbrake cable again (rear is best for this)
Get someone to hold the handbrake levers in the full off position (hard up against the back plates, put some force into it!) then stamp on the brakes as hard as you can. The adjusters will click up a couple.
Re attch the cable and adjust as you have done before.
You should now be able to stall the car on the handbrake.
If not, strip rear brakes, clean, make sure the handbrake lever and arm are free (usually seized if not working properly) and re assemble.
Adjust using above method and all will be well.
Read my article on rear subframe bushes (link on home page) to see pictures and a better description of this procedure!)
Rgds
Alan
 

Warner Bigend · #3 Post by **Warner Bigend** » Thu Dec 08, 2005 5:56 am

Strip the rear brakes... Yes, must get round to that.. when I\'ve worked out how to get the drums off <img> 
 
They\'re just a touch seized onto the hubs at the moment. 
 
However, on the MOT both wheels locked on the rollers on the handbrake,
so it can\'t be all that bad. Would still be nice if it was better, will
print off your instructions and have a crack next time I feel like
getting cold and damp under the car <img>