Handbrake ratchet/button

[Nefarious]

The ratchet button on my handbrake appears to be stuck in. Any tips on releasing?

I'm guessing that the little grub screw on the underneath allows the handle to be removed, but how do you get to the ratchet mechanism? Please tell me it's not a centre console off job.

[optimax sniffer]

On mine I managed to lift up the gaiter as it was only tucked under the console

[WIL35]

Doesn't this sometimes happen when the handbrake lever gets slightly bent due to the angle that it gets pulled through?

Thought I had read before of people pushing the handbrake towards the passenger side and the button releasing. Could be completely wrong of course!!

[ridds]

I think it is I'm afraid. The button is screwed onto the end of the push rod.

There's a spring in there for it to return and there is also a metal shim and a fabric/felt washer to damp the action.

It is very tight and could well be slightly bent.

The parts that retune the button do not need you to gain access to the ratchet though.

[Raw Cerb]

This happened to me last week.

I squirted a little oil up onto the pin that hold the ratchet mechansim in place (remove the leather gaiter and you'll see the ratchet). It freed up almost immediately.

[Tuscanny]

Happened to me too - lifted the leather gaiter to reveal the mechanissm had stuck.
Prised? it free, lubricated and Roberts your mothers brother...

[Nefarious]

Sorry to be thick about it, but how does the gaiter actually come off - mine appears to be stuck to the underside of the central tunnel.

[Tuscanny]

Hmmm - mine wasn't so came out very easily and didn't see any signs of old glue or anything to hold it, so cant advise on that except try and release a small corner first carefully?
Mine was plenty big enough to tuck back in without sticking and lookrd fine.