MOTs & Linelocks (no handbrake)
Discussion
Quick Question. My caterham does not have a mechanical handbrake, but instead has a linelock which must first have the brake pedal depressed before being turned. This then 'locks' the back wheels. Does anyone know whether an MOT tester is likely to take issue with this? I am under the impression that the vehicle must only have a parking brake (not necesserily a 'hand'brake)?
Hydraulic parking brakes as a sole means of operation are not acceptable on vehicles first used on or after 1 January 1968. However, they may be used to assist the application or release of a mechanical brake.
Having a line lock is a NO NO.
It should not pass anywhere
Stick a proper handbrake on it.
Having a line lock is a NO NO.
It should not pass anywhere
Stick a proper handbrake on it.
As far as the tester is concerned the handbrake has to work as an emergency brake in the event of the main brakes failing.
It is tested at a percentage efficiency relative to the main brakes and the required percentage goes up if you do not have dual circuit brakes.
I believe it is possible for the handbrake to be hydraulic but it must be a completely independent system.
Steve
It is tested at a percentage efficiency relative to the main brakes and the required percentage goes up if you do not have dual circuit brakes.
I believe it is possible for the handbrake to be hydraulic but it must be a completely independent system.
Steve
WRONG INFO.
I believe it is possible for the handbrake to be hydraulic but it must be a completely independent system.
MUST BE A MECHANICAL HANDBRAKE.
But there's nothing stopping you running a pair of cables to the rear caliper's or backplate so it look's like the cable doing the job.
But I didn't tell you that.
I believe it is possible for the handbrake to be hydraulic but it must be a completely independent system.
MUST BE A MECHANICAL HANDBRAKE.
But there's nothing stopping you running a pair of cables to the rear caliper's or backplate so it look's like the cable doing the job.
But I didn't tell you that.
I've heared of people running a brake cable from the hydraulic handbrake lever to the rear pads so that it looks as if it is a mechanical handbrake, and if the tester is totally brain dead and ignores all engineering common sense it might get through the test with the hydraulics doing the work and the brake cable looking like a mechanical brake. But to be honest you really don't want cars like this on the road, the law is there for a good reason and it is stupid to deliberately circumvent it.
however, if you think what the handbrake is used for in *most* circumstances, it is as a parking brake, rather than as an 'emergency' brake. To the best of my knowledge, the MOT tests it as a parking brake, rather than anything else.
To say you don't want a car that hasn't got a specific mechanical h/brake on the road is a bit niaive, as a) the car runs dual circuit brakes, b) there is a gearbox, which, assuming the engine still has some degree of compression should the brakes fail (a fair assumption I think), then there is still 'engine braking' (no I don't want to restart the 10-odd page thread on heal'n'toe on the Porsche forum!)?
thanks for the replies guys. Assuming the tester doesn't like the status quo on the car, then I think the 'mock' mechanical cable based system is the best bet?
To say you don't want a car that hasn't got a specific mechanical h/brake on the road is a bit niaive, as a) the car runs dual circuit brakes, b) there is a gearbox, which, assuming the engine still has some degree of compression should the brakes fail (a fair assumption I think), then there is still 'engine braking' (no I don't want to restart the 10-odd page thread on heal'n'toe on the Porsche forum!)?
thanks for the replies guys. Assuming the tester doesn't like the status quo on the car, then I think the 'mock' mechanical cable based system is the best bet?
Only thing I just thought of,
When the Tester is checking the handbrake the reading's must be applied via the handbrake lever and not via a separate lever ETC.
As stated before the best option is to put a proper Handbrake on it,
From the Manual...
The Testers Manual
3.1 Parking Brake Lever Mechanism and Associated Mountings
Information Method of Inspection Reason for rejection
Types of parking brake mechanism
In this sub-section, it is assumed that the parking brake is applied by a hand lever.
For vehicles with foot-operated parking brakes the “Method of Inspection” detailed will need to be varied for the particular mechanism. 1. Check that the vehicle has a parking brake designed to prevent
. at least two wheels from turning, or
. with a three-wheeled vehicle, at least one wheel from turning.
2. Check the method of operation.
1. The vehicle does not have a parking brake designed to prevent
. at least two wheels from turning
.with a three-wheeled vehicle, at least one wheel from turning.
Pre 1906 vehicles
Vehicles certified by the London Science Museum as being designed before 1 January 1905 and constructed before 31 December 1905 do not require a parking brake. 3. Examine the condition of the brake lever and its location.
2. For vehicles first used on or after 1 January 1968 the parking brake is not capable of being maintained in operation by direct mechanical action only.
3. The brake lever is defective or so located that it cannot be operated satisfactorily.
Hydraulic Parking Brakes
Hydraulic parking brakes as a sole means of operation are not acceptable on vehicles first used on or after 1 January 1968. However, they may be used to assist the application or release of a mechanical brake. 4. With the brake lever in the "off" position
a. Check the amount of side play in the lever pivot by moving the lever from side to side.
Note: Some vehicles have sideways movement of the parking brake lever , when new. Movement is a reason for rejection only when
. the pawl is moved clear of the ratchet, and
. the brake does not hold in the 'on' position *
b. check the security of the lever and pawl mechanism pivots, their associated mountings and the presence and effectiveness of retaining and locking devices.
Note: Items not possible to check fully from the driver's seat should be checked from beneath the vehicle.
Opening the bonnet to inspect fully the parking brake mechanism might also be necessary. 3. The brake lever is defective or so located that it cannot be operated satisfactorily.
4.
a. side play in the brake lever pivot to the extent that the pawl may inadvertently disengage
b.the lever or pawl mechanism pivots and their associated mountings are insecure or a locking or retaining device is insecure or missing.
5. Without operating the pawl mechanism, apply the parking brake slowly and check the effective operation of the pawl mechanism by listening for definite and regular clicks as the pawl moves over the ratchet teeth.
6. When the brake is fully applied
a. knock the top and each side of the lever and check that the lever stays in the "on" position
check that the lever is not at the end of its working travel and that there is no fouling of adjacent parts 5. The pawl spring is not pushing the pawl positively into the ratchet teeth or the ratchet has broken, or excessively worn, teeth.
6.
a. when knocked, the lever is not held in the "on" position
b. when the brake is fully applied there is no possibility of further travel of the lever because the lever is
. at the end of its working travel on the ratchet, or
. fouling adjacent parts of the vehicle
c. check that the lever is not impeded in its travel.
7. Check the vehicle structure around the mounting of the parking brake and associated mountings for fractures, cracks, corrosion and distortion.
Note: It may be necessary to check the parking brake lever mounting 'prescribed area' from the vehicle underside when it cannot be checked from the inside.
c. the lever is impeded in its travel.
7. Deliberate modification which significantly reduces the original strength, excessive corrosion, severe distortion, a fracture or an inadequate repair of a load bearing member or its supporting structure or supporting panelling within 30cm of the parking brake mechanism or any associated mounting(s), that is, within a 'prescribed area', see Appendix C.
>> Edited by DollySprintV8 on Saturday 7th January 07:01
When the Tester is checking the handbrake the reading's must be applied via the handbrake lever and not via a separate lever ETC.
As stated before the best option is to put a proper Handbrake on it,
From the Manual...
The Testers Manual
3.1 Parking Brake Lever Mechanism and Associated Mountings
Information Method of Inspection Reason for rejection
Types of parking brake mechanism
In this sub-section, it is assumed that the parking brake is applied by a hand lever.
For vehicles with foot-operated parking brakes the “Method of Inspection” detailed will need to be varied for the particular mechanism. 1. Check that the vehicle has a parking brake designed to prevent
. at least two wheels from turning, or
. with a three-wheeled vehicle, at least one wheel from turning.
2. Check the method of operation.
1. The vehicle does not have a parking brake designed to prevent
. at least two wheels from turning
.with a three-wheeled vehicle, at least one wheel from turning.
Pre 1906 vehicles
Vehicles certified by the London Science Museum as being designed before 1 January 1905 and constructed before 31 December 1905 do not require a parking brake. 3. Examine the condition of the brake lever and its location.
2. For vehicles first used on or after 1 January 1968 the parking brake is not capable of being maintained in operation by direct mechanical action only.
3. The brake lever is defective or so located that it cannot be operated satisfactorily.
Hydraulic Parking Brakes
Hydraulic parking brakes as a sole means of operation are not acceptable on vehicles first used on or after 1 January 1968. However, they may be used to assist the application or release of a mechanical brake. 4. With the brake lever in the "off" position
a. Check the amount of side play in the lever pivot by moving the lever from side to side.
Note: Some vehicles have sideways movement of the parking brake lever , when new. Movement is a reason for rejection only when
. the pawl is moved clear of the ratchet, and
. the brake does not hold in the 'on' position *
b. check the security of the lever and pawl mechanism pivots, their associated mountings and the presence and effectiveness of retaining and locking devices.
Note: Items not possible to check fully from the driver's seat should be checked from beneath the vehicle.
Opening the bonnet to inspect fully the parking brake mechanism might also be necessary. 3. The brake lever is defective or so located that it cannot be operated satisfactorily.
4.
a. side play in the brake lever pivot to the extent that the pawl may inadvertently disengage
b.the lever or pawl mechanism pivots and their associated mountings are insecure or a locking or retaining device is insecure or missing.
5. Without operating the pawl mechanism, apply the parking brake slowly and check the effective operation of the pawl mechanism by listening for definite and regular clicks as the pawl moves over the ratchet teeth.
6. When the brake is fully applied
a. knock the top and each side of the lever and check that the lever stays in the "on" position
check that the lever is not at the end of its working travel and that there is no fouling of adjacent parts 5. The pawl spring is not pushing the pawl positively into the ratchet teeth or the ratchet has broken, or excessively worn, teeth.
6.
a. when knocked, the lever is not held in the "on" position
b. when the brake is fully applied there is no possibility of further travel of the lever because the lever is
. at the end of its working travel on the ratchet, or
. fouling adjacent parts of the vehicle
c. check that the lever is not impeded in its travel.
7. Check the vehicle structure around the mounting of the parking brake and associated mountings for fractures, cracks, corrosion and distortion.
Note: It may be necessary to check the parking brake lever mounting 'prescribed area' from the vehicle underside when it cannot be checked from the inside.
c. the lever is impeded in its travel.
7. Deliberate modification which significantly reduces the original strength, excessive corrosion, severe distortion, a fracture or an inadequate repair of a load bearing member or its supporting structure or supporting panelling within 30cm of the parking brake mechanism or any associated mounting(s), that is, within a 'prescribed area', see Appendix C.
>> Edited by DollySprintV8 on Saturday 7th January 07:01
What then about the new VW passat that is on sale? It has an electronically operated handbrake! Haven't seen any detailed technical explanation on how it functions, but there is no lever in the interior.... It must comply with UK regulations, and could be worth to investigate if there is a possibility. But agree, that I also thought that only mechanical systems will do, as hydraulic/electrical/magnetic systems can become less and less effective until there is on braking-effect in the end. A handbrake must be able to hold the vehicle for ever (sort of). Trucks use a different method and get a way with that: the brakes are always applied mechanically within the brake itself, and the compressed air releases the them. No airpressure - brakes are on.
Rob
Rob
Renault also use the electronic brake on the Espace and Scenic range,
I'll have a chat to the VOSA man when he next call's in or we have to ring on another matter.
But the first question was or is about a Hydraulic Hanbrake which is a no no.
Unless it's a World Rally car that's brand new and doesn't need a MOT/.
I'll have a chat to the VOSA man when he next call's in or we have to ring on another matter.
But the first question was or is about a Hydraulic Hanbrake which is a no no.
Unless it's a World Rally car that's brand new and doesn't need a MOT/.
The wording in the Construction and Use regs is 9I think) something along the lines of "maintained in position by purely mechanical means". I think the electric handbrakes work by using a geared electric motor driving some sort of actuator - probably via a worm drive or something with such a low gear ratio that it would be impossible to turn it backwards once the electric motor stopped. Therefore, you could still claim that although the brake was actuated electrically, it was kept in position mechanically.
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