Handbrake System - What is the MOT Wording
Discussion
To pass the MOT you must have a fully functioning handbrake but what is the exact wording of how the system must work?
Do you have to have a seperate mechanically operated system ie, conventional handbrake lever that activates a cable linkage to mechanically operated calipers or with some newer cars a manually operated electrical system.
Would a manually operated hydraulic line-lock system between the master cylinder and the rear calipers be ok or does the hand brake system have to use a completely seperate system to the cars main brake system?
What percentage of brakng force when using the handbrake is required compared to the main brakes when locking the front or rear axle?
Do you have to have a seperate mechanically operated system ie, conventional handbrake lever that activates a cable linkage to mechanically operated calipers or with some newer cars a manually operated electrical system.
Would a manually operated hydraulic line-lock system between the master cylinder and the rear calipers be ok or does the hand brake system have to use a completely seperate system to the cars main brake system?
What percentage of brakng force when using the handbrake is required compared to the main brakes when locking the front or rear axle?
If I remember correctly from an issue MOTing a car previously it has to be a seperate system.
Since the main brake system is more frequently used it's more likely to develop a fault, can't have this fault present in the handbrake system as it would negate the cars ability to remain stationary when absolutely necessary to do so.
Therefore you can't risk both systems being one and the same.
I wonder how this relates to road legal cars used in drifting competitions where the handbrake system IS put under strain?
Since the main brake system is more frequently used it's more likely to develop a fault, can't have this fault present in the handbrake system as it would negate the cars ability to remain stationary when absolutely necessary to do so.
Therefore you can't risk both systems being one and the same.
I wonder how this relates to road legal cars used in drifting competitions where the handbrake system IS put under strain?
The handbrake has to be a seperate, mechanical system. You cannot use a hydralic system in the handbrake system for a very good reason: the handbrake can be used to park a car on a hill, a hydralic system will always lose pressure over time. Therefore if you parked on a hill with a hydralic handbrake the car would eventually roll down the hill.
Simularly the electrical system must use the electric bit to put a mechanical brake on and off, you can't use an electro magnet to apply force to brake pads as it would fail when the battery ran out.
Simularly the electrical system must use the electric bit to put a mechanical brake on and off, you can't use an electro magnet to apply force to brake pads as it would fail when the battery ran out.
there are plenty of rally cars where the handbrake lever operates both hydraulic and cables. The cables are adjusted so that they would operate if the hydraulics failed (the lever would move further) but under normal? coditions the hydraulics lock the rear brakes before the cables become tight - for mot purposes the cables could be adjusted to operate befor the hydraulics but no-one does this.
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