MX5 mk2 handbrake settings??

[charlie0]

Bought my first mx5 Used to have a corsa, either the handbrake was up or it was down. Ive noticed in the mk2 mx5 you can have it sort of halfway , or pull it right up until it starts clicking... whats the halfway point for? When pulling to the top, do you stop at the first click or pull it up a few?


Apologies for the stupid question!!

[MX-5 Lazza]

No offence meant mate but are you serious? I've never driven any car that didn't have a ratchet on the handbrake. Even my merc which has a foot operated parking brake has a ratchet.

[charlie0]

I think my first post was badly written -


My Corsa handbrake clicked at the top also (ratchet?) but now I've got a nicer car I'm curious if its better for the car to stop pulling at the first click of if you pull it up a few clicks to ensure its on properly.

What is different, is with the Mazda a few times I've thought it was all the way down, only to realise the handbrake light was on and it was actually only half down, but I didn't notice it having any effect on the car?


Hope that's a bit more clear

[MX-5 Lazza]

OK, well the correct way to use the hand brake (on any car) is to apply the lever without touching the button. Just pull the lever up until the brake is fully applied. Release it by pressing the button and holding it while returning the lever back to fully released. That's the same on all cars. Including Corsas

I think the general rule for MoT is that the handbrake should be fully engaged at between 5 & 7 clicks. Less clicks mean it might not fully release and more mean it might not fully engage. I wouldn't be worried about 4 to 9 clicks though as long as it worked.