help! handbrake lever!

[missmouse]

Leant on my handbrake lever & now it doesnt want to ratchet, it will not stay in up position.
Whats the best way to get off the plastic cover on the lever without breaking it to see WTF is wrong in here?
Im guessing the pawl or its spring has come adrift as its unlikely the ratcheet has suddenly become worn out?

cheers,
Simon

[Skull]

the easiest way is to remove the middle console where the 3 gauges are, and then force the console around the handbrake out. 5 minutes job...

[missmouse]

what about the plastic around the lever itself? does that come off to expose the metal?

[Skull]

that is a mayor pita to remove. dont bother, it doesent unveil anything. you need to get under the ashtray.

[missmouse]

so I can see the ratchet mechanism just by removing the centre console?

[Skull]

sure

[missmouse]

ok,
thanx

[missmouse]

right!
Ive removed the rearmost section of the centre console but I still cant see what is wrong with the ratchet. I need to remove the actual plastic covering from the handbrake lever itsself to get a look. How can this be done without breaking it?
So far it looks like this part should be removed FIRST as its a very tight fit to get the console past the lever's cover!

I could just haul on it but if there is a method I would like to know to avoid damage!

Thanx,

Simon

[Skull]

there is a thread with pics on this forum, search for it, i dont have time atm

[missmouse]

thanx Skull, I found it. It makes out its a simple job tho! If only!
My handbrake is looking a bit butchered now unfortunately & I also now see that I have to crawl under the car to remove the cable to totally remove the lever assembly!
I know these cars are difficult to work on but this is just bad design! Why crimped on pins instaed of removable ones?
On a happier note, my ratchet mechanism has now started working again!
Guess there was just some dirt or something in there.

Oh the joys of S2 ownership!
Cheers,
Simon

[Davidsinclair05]

They put Crimped pins in so you have to go to the stealers