E46 Handbrake Issue
Discussion
2004 E46 320d saloon, just had MOT test carried out today and it failed on rear nearside coil spring being broken apart. Replacement fitted and it passed, but the tester said that the handbrake was within tolerances (no advisory issued) but it felt strange when he applied it.
Now I've noticed in the past couple of weeks that it feels strange myself. My driveway is on a slight incline and when I release the handbrake to reverse off the drive, it feels as though the car dips on the rear nearside. The handbrake holds perfectly fine and I was wondering if anyone could offer ay advice as I would like to see if it is a problem I could rectify on my own.
Thanks in advance.
Now I've noticed in the past couple of weeks that it feels strange myself. My driveway is on a slight incline and when I release the handbrake to reverse off the drive, it feels as though the car dips on the rear nearside. The handbrake holds perfectly fine and I was wondering if anyone could offer ay advice as I would like to see if it is a problem I could rectify on my own.
Thanks in advance.
Cables probably stretched a bit on that side, E46 are terrible for handbrakes. Assuming the shoes haven't worn out it just needs tightened.
Pop up the gaitor round the handbrake - don't worry about pulling it, just clips in. Deep socket 8 or 10mm I think and tighten cable a bit.
If there isn't room for tightening at the lever you can do it at the other end. Pop the wheel off (can be done by removing one wheel bolt but easier to have it off for first time) and get a big flat head screwdriver. There is a large knurled adjustor you can access through one of the wheel bolt holes. Sits at about 11 o'clock on the offside and 1 o'clock on the nearside. Tighten up here and you should be good to go HTH.
Pop up the gaitor round the handbrake - don't worry about pulling it, just clips in. Deep socket 8 or 10mm I think and tighten cable a bit.
If there isn't room for tightening at the lever you can do it at the other end. Pop the wheel off (can be done by removing one wheel bolt but easier to have it off for first time) and get a big flat head screwdriver. There is a large knurled adjustor you can access through one of the wheel bolt holes. Sits at about 11 o'clock on the offside and 1 o'clock on the nearside. Tighten up here and you should be good to go HTH.
Won't cause any other problems, cable is only connected to the handbrake and it's not working anyway.
Worst case you will have to put new shoes in if tightening it dosen't sort it. Could be worth driving down the road slowly and applying the handbrake gently for 10 or 20 seconds, recommended now and then to clean the contact surfaces.
Worst case you will have to put new shoes in if tightening it dosen't sort it. Could be worth driving down the road slowly and applying the handbrake gently for 10 or 20 seconds, recommended now and then to clean the contact surfaces.
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