Handbrake

[squirrelz]

I've had a search through past postings as I thought this might be a common question, but couldn't find anything.

Is the handbrake on a Chim always really hard to get onto the last notch? It goes on 2 notches without any problem, but needs to go on to the 3rd notch to hold it on an incline. This was the same on a 99T 4.5 demonstrator that I drove.

I can get it onto the 3rd notch, but it's a bit of a strain, and getting it back off is sometimes a two-handed affair......

Can this be adjusted - I mentioned it b4 I bought it and got the usual 'they all do that, Sir'

[ianwayne]

My Chimaera hanbrake is hard to get onto the 3rd notch too
For me though, the following works:
When you stop, leave the engine running for vacuum, press the brake pedal hard and THEN pull on the handbrake. I can get the 3rd notch more easily then.
However, I would advise putting it in gear after stopping the engine and slacking off the handbrake, (unless parked on a steep hill of course )
'cos they have a habit of sticking on, especially if the car is left for a week or three (not just TVRs that is, I've dragged the back wheels of many a front-wheel drive car that's been left for ages on the handbrake, especially if by the sea!!)

[zippy500]

I agree, the best way is to push foot down hard and then lift lever. Adjustments usually end up no better.

[squirrelz]

Fair enuf, just thought I'd canvas opinion as Joolz mentioned it when he inspected it, as though it was unusual.

It's more of an anoyance at traffic lights than anything else - got stuck at one set yesterday cos I couldn't get the handbrake off!! Embarassing.....

Also had problems with the engine dying yesterday, failing to maintain idle speed. Seems ok today, so I'm wondering if the wet got into something - it was p***ing it down quite heavily......

[squirrelz]

BTW. thanks for the hint, guys. Much easier to get 3rd notch on the handbrake when standing on the brake pedal.
Only thing that confuses me is why!

[shpub]

Cos it is the same mechanism using the same pads and calliper. Pushing down on pedal moves pads and piston and makes life easier for the handbrake mechanism to engage.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[Jason F]

The only downside to this for me is when I park on my slanted drive the brakes make a not toooo nice noise when I apply the handbrake, and the car moves a fraction as the brakes settle.. I wait for the day the brakes don't catch and I say hi to my garage door..

[squirrelz]

Aha - thx Steve.

BTW, just ordered the book.....

[xain]

Ahh.. but can anyone explain why it was set up to be so damned hard to apply the h/brake? What a daft bit of engineering.
I've actually pulled a muscle in my left arm yesterday pulling on the brake after I hadn't driven it for a few weeks. You get out of practise!

Jon

[squirrelz]

Well I guess it could be termed a 'muscle car' - you need big muscles to be able to drive the thing....

[steveab]

I think the height at which you sit in relation to the hand-brake makes it more difficult. Can't get the right 'yank' on it

[xenradio]

then why dont you sit on 413 cushions so you've got the right angle
OR by a corsa

[xain]

It's the fulcrum ratio that does it. They made it so the handle doesn't move far to get full brake pad travel. If they'd made it a better ratio then it would be a lot nicer to use and it would affect the performance of anything.

[Docol]

I didn't think the handbrake was connected to anything, for all the difference it makes!!! Doesn't matter what notch it's on. Just for show IMHO!

[squirrelz]

Gotta disagree - once it's on that 3rd notch, it's going nowhere.

[lovemytvr]

After a week of ownership I rang the dealer and said I think the handbrake needs adjusting - it doesn`t seem do a great deal!!
Quote, "They all do that sir,just leave it in gear!!"

So I leave it in gear and it actully helps during the winter as it doesn`t seize up after leaving it for a week - roll on the spring/summer!!

Neal
W9 TVR