Chimaera handbrake

[Clarkys]

Hello all, I've recently bought a 97 P Chimaera and am extremely happy with but have since discovered the handbrake does not hold on even slight hills. I've been told this is usual on the chimaera, does anyone disagree? If so, what do you suggest I do.
Also, I get a vibration from the rear tyre when reversing on full lock at very slow speed, is this anything to worry about?
Thanks for any help offered.

[Mark.S]

Some, if not most, have appaling handbrakes and despite it being much better on my newer chimaera I always leave the car in gear.

[hut49]

Mine's the same unless I can get it onto that elusive 3rd notch. I can get it there but it means pressurizing the foot brake as I pull up the lever. Generally after I park the car the pads and disks are hot and I'm sure binding them together when very hot can do damage to the pads when you release the brake later. Sometimes I noticed a bang as it the pad frees off the disk - so gave up on the 3rd notch, and always leave it in gear.

Steep hill starts are a bit of a test of arm strength and 'er indoors only drives on the flat bits!

[Big Al.]

First of all "Welcome to the asylum"

Handbrake, well mines OK I park on my drive which is pretty steep and it holds fine. Mind you when I first got it, I didn't have enough strength to pull it on. So I had it loosened off a bit. BTW mines a 98.

err... what's the second question?

Oh yeh!

They all do that sir! It's the fronts on mine, well it feels like the fronts. It's a bit like driving over marbles? It appears that the turning circle between the back and the fronts on lock is slightly different, hence the judder.



>> Edited by Big Al. (moderator) on Tuesday 10th June 15:06

[.Mark]

Big Al. said: They all do that sir! It's the fronts on mine, well it feels like the fronts. It's a bit like driving over marbles? It appears that the turning circle between the back and the fronts on lock is slightly different, hence the judder.

Probably something to do with the LSD doing it's bit too, if you pull away forwards on a full lock you will notice the inside tyre scuffing and it feels a bit odd.

You might also notice after a long motorway run, pulling away from a standstill you will get a bit of judder too - again, nothing to worry about.

Oh and Hi, Your life will never be the same again.

>>Edited because I carnt speel for tuffee


>> Edited by .Mark on Tuesday 10th June 15:20

[aaandy]

Got a 98 Chimp and the hand brake is OK if pulled up hard, but still wouldn't trust it on a hill with out leaving it in gear. Safer that way.

Have heard of the odd v.rare story where people have parked in one place and come back later to find it some where else resting against a wall. So would recommend getting into the habit of leaving it in gear just to be on the safe side.

If you look around a TVR showroom (as we all love to do) you will no doubt see nearly all of them left in gear, no doubt for the same reason. Just another one of those quirks.

[shadowninja]

if possible, park it with the front wheels 'against' the curb (consult your highway code, but you should know how to do this already! )

[simpo one]

I'm prowling around from the Griff forum but the handbrake problem is the same for all. There's no notch between 'still rolls back' and 'need both hands to get the bastard off'.

On slopes I leave it first gear. I would prefer that than risk mangling tyres/wheels on the kerb.

[T88CAN]

Made the big mistake of touring Devon last year with the dreaded TVR handbrake i stalled on the biggest hill you could find with a boy racer clued to my rear bumper i can still here them now cheering after doing a 3/4000rpm dump clutch startthe noise and smell of burning rubber had the locals looking on in disgust.How the hell they pass the MOT is a mystery to me so yes "they all do that sir" Tony

[GarryM]

simpo one said: I'm prowling around from the Griff forum but the handbrake problem is the same for all. There's no notch between 'still rolls back' and 'need both hands to get the bastard off'.

I discovered the handbrake adjuster at the w/end (on the Griff) - by the rear offside suspension. A turn of the nut would make that 3rd notch obtainable without having to eat spinach. Adjusted just right it ought to hold the car OK. I always leave mine in gear just in case though.