Handbrake Mechanism Not Returning - Lube Question?

[bluezedd]

Hi guys,

I'm not an expert on lubrication choices so I'm looking for recommendations from people who know better about this job.

I have a handbrake mechanism on my rear caliper which had seized up a bit. It wasn't returning back to the backstop when the handbrake was released.

The mechanism is shown here:

https://imgur.com/96qHwQb

This has definitely resulted in excess heat and the handbrake remaining partly on in this caliper.

I have freed it up using lots of plusgas and a combination of mole grips, taps with a hammer (it didn't really need this tbh as sticking would probably be a better description rather than seized), and repeatedly operating the handbrake. It's relatively free now, but it could be better imo. It stops just short of the backstop but can be pushed with fingers and relative ease to its correct position.

I plan to repeat it with a better choice of lubricant if possible, clean up the mechanism (especially where it engages with the pin that acts as a backstop), and also replace the return spring for a new one.

I was wondering if you guys think there's a better lubricant that I could use for this part than the plusgas I have been using?

The other question is do you think there's a way to dismantle the handbrake mechanism? I'm not a stranger to rebuilding calipers and replacing brake pistons and seals as I did it on this car about 5 years ago and have done similar with bikes, but I have never had a need to remove a handbrake mechanism before.

The car is a Saab 9 3 1.9 TiD 2007 Z19DTH saloon.

Thanks for the help guys!

[milkround]

bluezedd said:

The other question is do you think there's a way to dismantle the handbrake mechanism? I'm not a stranger to rebuilding calipers and replacing brake pistons and seals as I did it on this car about 5 years ago and have done similar with bikes, but I have never had a need to remove a handbrake mechanism before.

Yeah you can take them apart.

But before you do make sure you have a brake rewind tool! Check if yours is left or right handed threaded.

To see if it's the calliper you can take it off and manually work the mechanism. You will wind the piston out. So need a way of winding it back in.

I've rebuilt one before. But the truth is that you are as well off just getting a new/repaired calliper from ebay etc. Also worth working out if the hand brake cable itself is sticking.

[bluezedd]

milkround said:

Yeah you can take them apart.

But before you do make sure you have a brake rewind tool! Check if yours is left or right handed threaded.

To see if it's the calliper you can take it off and manually work the mechanism. You will wind the piston out. So need a way of winding it back in.

I've rebuilt one before. But the truth is that you are as well off just getting a new/repaired calliper from ebay etc. Also worth working out if the hand brake cable itself is sticking.

Thanks milkround!

I do have a brake rewind tool with both thread types so I'm all good there. Access while it's on the car isn't ideal and as you suggest it would be best to be working with the caliper on the workbench.

I think you're right about probably being best off just getting a replacement caliper and switching it out. this will cut down on the down time that the car is sitting on stands while having to sort the current caliper. I could always pop the piston out again (it hasn't been done for 5 years) and overhaul the old one in my own time and have it sitting on the bench ready if and when I need it in the future.

Thanks!