My Knob has popped out

[RolandM]

The handbrake is now playing up, the release knob has popped out, but even more alarming the handbrake is now stuck on, I am on my way to sort it out now, wasn't in the mood yesterday! I was just wondering if it was all easy enough to get at without having to go under the car, here's hoping

[lateconvert]

I've had this happen twice.
The first time I just kept yanking and pulling (the handbrake lever that is) and after an hour or so the handbrake released. I was outside a pub blocking people in and I realised that with the brakes locked on the car was immovable so I was panicking.
The second time I was outside my house but in the end I had to get the Dealer to come out. They removed the centre console and had to cut the cable to be able to get the car back to them where they fixed it.
However, I haven't since then ever used the handbrake again as the thought of getting it stuck on again in a busy tricky place without being able to push the car out the way makes me feel embarassed even thinking about it.

[trefor]

Next time, try drivng the car if you've only got to move it a few feet. Chimaera handbrakes are not very powerful. You probably hardly notice it's on - ever driven off in a Chimaera with the handbrake on and not realised for a short while? I have.

[MAC5]

The same happened to me after a couple of days of ownership. Easily fixed. the thread on your knob has probarley worn(ERM?).I replaced mine with a Levan joby easy to fit and no more knobs falling out when not required.

Mac

>> Edited by MAC5 on Sunday 16th February 20:56

[lateconvert]

Mine was already a Leven job and no, believe it or not the handbrake worked so well it would not drive forward with it on.

[RolandM]

Thanks for all the suggestions, but mine also has the leven tech knob, and although I agree the handbrake may not be the most effective on this occasion it feels on too firmly to risk forcing the wheels to turn. Had a busy day and did not attempt further repairs today. on saturday in an attempt to free the ratchet and pawl I pushed the rod and knob into the hole without the spring in place ( I can now see what a silly thing to do this was, but after a day with the usual TVR hot starting problem "not a normal part of my cars behaviour"my judgement was impaired!) The problem is as previously stated Handbrake arm firmly up and knob stuck in handbrake arm. I can think of solutions but they may be destructive.