350i handbrake advice

[earlybay]

im currently in the process of sorting out the handbrake as it failed the MOT on one side ..

my friendly mechanic put it up on his lift and started adjustment process - only problem is that when the lever for the N/S is in the correct position, the cable inner doesn't reach anymore ?

any know know if cutting the cable outer is an option to get it to reach ?

obsolete-tvr list a new handbrake cable on their site so I might invest in a complete new cable to be on the safe side...

also I need a few bits for the handbrake caliper (its missing the bolt that holds it together, and ths spring doesn't seem to be pulling it off when handbrake is released) - anymore know where I might source spares for these ? (assume they are XJ6/XJS)..

[350zwelgje]

Yes XJ6/XJS for parts.
It is a balanced system in that the two are operated together, not left of right.
The nut on the end is normally not adjusted, adjustment is by a screw on each side of car where the handbrake pads are.
Take the split-pin out and tighten until no rotation of the driveshaft possible and then loosen just a bit and get the split-pin back in.
If adjustment cannot be done, investigate if the handbrake pads haven't lost the lining. This can happen.... as the glue lets go!
No adjustment of the outer of the handbrake cable is required.

Rob

[jon haines]

Yes I agree with rob. My handbrake was useless for years until I did a rebuild of the rear brakes/diff were I replaced discs overhauled calipers new pads handbrake cable pins and it will now hold on a 1 in 7 hill no probs. The brakes come in for a lot of critism on these cars but for me when they are in good condition they are more than up to the job its just the poor pedal feel that lets them down.

[TVRleigh_BBWR]

As said above, the main problem for the hand brake not working is people adjusting it via the cable.
The hand brake arms do have a ratchet system for self adjusting, but this only works if they arms have full travel, so if the cable is too tight (like on 90% of car) this system will not work and then seize due to none use.
As said above, to correctly adjust the pads, is via the screw with the split pin, tighten until the handbrake grips the disc then turn back 180, and then put split pin in, the split pin, needs too be in for the self adjust system to work also. setting the cable to work at the end of it's travel will make sure the system will auto adjust. don't know why every seem to assist it has to be 3 clicks is just rubbish, this does not give enough movement for the self adjust to work, the same applies to MX5's also.

[adam quantrill]

When I do mine it's as above but when it starts to bind I then pull the handbrake a few more times then let it off, and repeat the adjustment once more. As above if one side doesn't work at all, check for a missing pad.

If they are not very efficient the pads can be rejuvenated by roughing up with sandpaper and cleaning with trichloroethane. Sometimes they get a bit glazed and/or oily.

[earlybay]

Just received a new handbrake cable from these guys: http://www.obsoletetvr.co.uk/ , really good, quick service ...

its definitely a few inches longer than the old one so it must have been cut down some point in the past ... going to do a refurb of the handbrake calipers (ordered some new return springs), then should be ready to go - MOT time again !!

[RCK974X]

I put some extra springs in mine, between the caliper arms, to make sure that the arms return back fully to 'home'. It may not look too flash, but simply put some 'tube' springs along the cable....

Also, the self adjusters were effectively seized up, and full of gunge. A good clean and regrease made a huge difference...

[adam quantrill]

Yeah if the cable had been chopped off in the past that would cause some problems getting it to work....