Electric handbrake

[MarkWebb]

Having got pissed off with my handbrake I am about to order an electronic actuator from the US. Will fit nicely under my centre tunnel and couple up to the existing cables. gives 600lbs of pull which should be enough. Can also be wired to provide extra theft security.
http://www.estopp.com

[Storer]

Please tell me you will disconnect the beeper!!!!



Paul

[Steve_D]

Is that legal for MOT?

Steve

[MarkWebb]

The inspector from the MOT centre that I use said "I don't care what activates the handbrake as long as it works"
Er yes the beeper will be disconnected!

[Storer]

[quote=Steve_D]Is that legal for MOT?

Steve[/quote=Steve_D]

Electric handbrakes are quite common on production cars now so I can't see why they wouldn't approve providing the handbrake meets their effectiveness requirement.


Paul

[F.C.]

Had them on my Audi A8 awful, noisy and always causing problems.
My only real concern with this kit (which I considered a while back) would be the prospect of a hill start,
fine in an automatic but no "feel" in a manual.

[MarkWebb]

Never been able to do a hill start with handbrake because it has never worked well enough!

[BogBeast]

MarkWebb said:

The inspector from the MOT centre that I use said "I don't care what activates the handbrake as long as it works"

On that basis a latching hydraulic would suffice. Really don't like my handbrake setup.

Or does MOT demand a independent mechanism on the calipers as well?

[marshalla]

BogBeast said:

On that basis a latching hydraulic would suffice. Really don't like my handbrake setup.

Or does MOT demand a independent mechanism on the calipers as well?

C&U regs. prohibit hydraulics on the handbrake and MOT requires a "direct action". The online manual cites hydraulics as unacceptable : http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_310.htm

[F.C.]

MarkWebb said:

Never been able to do a hill start with handbrake because it has never worked well enough!

LOL, I suspect you should have a look at your H/B callipers to make sure all is well there, the electric thing is only a substitute for the H/B lever after all and if the calliper is dodgy it won't work either!

[F.C.]

BogBeast said:

On that basis a latching hydraulic would suffice. Really don't like my handbrake setup.

Or does MOT demand a independent mechanism on the calipers as well?

If only, just imagine the handbrake turns you could effect!

[Storer]

My handbrake is fine and achieves very good figures in the MOT tests.

Standard Factory setup. Handbrake turns are not really necessary with all that grunt under your right foot.

I have an electric handbrake on my Discovery which works fine, and has done for 100,000 miles. It is an auto though.


Paul

[MarkWebb]

1st thing I did was to check callipers pads etc. Not sure if my hand brake is std though. It is bolted to powder coated brackets on chassis but handle seems a bit flexible.
I have a nice carbon topped centre tunnel and the lever makes it look crap so its going! E-stopp ordered.

[F.C.]

MarkWebb said:

Not sure if my hand brake is std though. It is bolted to powder coated brackets on chassis but handle seems a bit flexible.

Sounds about right, if it looks like it belongs in an old style Mini it is the standard unit.

[GTRS]

You could upgrade it to the new Evo handbrake lever. Nicely polished with a trigger like action to de-activate. It's a straight swap for the old style as it fits my GTR chassis without any mods.

[Rscocca]

Mark,
I use the Estopp in my Ultima. I mounted the pull ram to the floor in between pass/driver seat.
It works real nice and actually hold the car on a hill.

I'll upload pics in the morning.