handbrake running high help pls

[Chris5044]

hi all ... my hand brake has started to gradually ride high... it would seem to point to the fact that the cables are getting stretched...

says in haines manual to adjust them (as on high miliege cars require this even tho it is self adjusting) (haynes manual for coupe which is similar setup for s2)

Anyone dones this before? or should i purchase new handbrake cables? ...


is it worth doing a brakes test?

[Chris5044]

anyone???

[Jas11n]

The handbrake is self adjusting. Through previous hassle with previous coupes, the route to take is new cables.
Bit of an **** to fit too, with the exhaust and propshaft in the way, but then that hassle falls to my local specialists as I'm lazy.

Jas

[iain1067]

you checked the rear pads?? if they are low then this will give a high handbrake too, had the same thing on my S6 new rear pads and winding the psiton into the caliper all the way cured the handbrake problem. Do not put the handbrake on until after driving the car though.


Iain

[A80Avant]

as well as the pads,check the middle adjusting spring.that is where the adjustment is made if the cables are ok.you dont have to change them if they are still movable.

[Chris5044]

Thx for replies guys

@Papvas... will i need to disassemble the prop and exhaust to get to it?

or is there an easier way to view this?

[dkw_dude]

One more thing, check if the small levers on the rear calipers retracts all the way. The lever tends to get stuck over time. If so, they will need some WD40 and hi temp grease (unbolt the little "end stop" to make lubrication easier). Or new/refurbished rear calipers

[PeterS]

Chris: the cables should not stretch THAT much. Your rear pads are likely worn and/or the parking brake mechanism on the rear calipers is failing. The Lucas rebuild instructions are here: http://www.20v.org/brakere.htm.

[Chris5044]

checked both calipers .they have got good movement ... except one side sticks more...

ill check pads when its light .. got a feeling i need to renew them...

will also clean up rear calipers.. then WD40 them .... then coat them in a lubricating protective film.....

anyone got any reckonmendations for this protective film? ... ive seen it on the underneath of cars before... i guess to protect against rust and seizing...

[iain1067]

You might also want to clean up the caliper/brake pad carriers where the pads sit on, they do get corroded over time making the pads seize onto that.

[A80Avant]

Thx for replies guys

@Papvas... will i need to disassemble the prop and exhaust to get to it?

or is there an easier way to view this?

in order to reach the adjusting screw you only need to remove the 2 metal shields above the exhaust,and not the exhaust itself

[SteveH]

in order to reach the adjusting screw you only need to remove the 2 metal shields above the exhaust,and not the exhaust itself

I managed to adjust the handbrake cable without moving the heatshield. You will need a deep 10mm socket and an extension for your socket set.

[Error404]

Chris: the cables should not stretch THAT much. Your rear pads are likely worn and/or the parking brake mechanism on the rear calipers is failing. The Lucas rebuild instructions are here: http://www.20v.org/brakere.htm.

Bump to an old post

I'm going to need to rebuild the rear calipers on the the CQ i'm picking up tomorrow - I've looked at the Lucas rebuild instructions, but was a bit perplexed by the special tools used - notably the Churchill Spring Compressor and C Clip Tool - where can these be sourced and are they totally neccesary?
I've rebuilt calipers before, but never a screw type with handbrake mechanism

the basic disassembly and refitting looks ok, I just don't want to start a job i can't finish and those tools look as if i will need them

Also the assembly diagrams are missing from this guide which is handy

[S2central.net]

IIWU - I wouldn't bother rebuilding the caliper - there are specialist companies that do that for little money on an exchange basis. The likes of GSF, ECP and other motor factors can source you refurb'd calipers - freshly repainted as well. Reckon on 100 quid each approx - which aint that much when you tot up the time, tools and paint you will need to do same job yourself.

[mcandmar]

I agree, gave up trying to stop the caliper handbrake mechanism from sticking and bought recond units. Everything has worked perfectly ever since.