problem with my car hand brake

jimbo_the_jetset

Then defo sounds like cable adjustment required. Undo screw holding plastic trim around handbrake, should see a nut adjuster, tighten, check, job done.

Did it on my Peugeot 205 about a year after having a new cable fitted, think my Haynes manual suggest 5 clicks to full handbrake lock. p.s. Haynes manuals are good for simple things like this yourself, there's prob one in your local libraray or a cheap one on ebay

fletcher1985

5 clicks i will have a look when i go to work tonight, but it does feel like im having to pull the handbrake higher then i used to do its strange coz its fine in the car park now parked on a slope i just tested it took handbrake off and it roll so i put it back on and no creaking, my brother seems to think its the same either brake pads or cable so i will put all these sugestions to him on saturday

fletcher1985

i was just looking on the net about handbrakes and came up with this that someone had written

for the mot test. the hand brake should hold the weight of the car when it has 3 clicks.

goldspanners

fletcher1985 wrote: »

i was just looking on the net about handbrakes and came up with this that someone had written

thats nonsense,it doesnt have specific amount of clicks,its just to test if it operates,it doesnt matter if you pull it 10 click as long as it passes the brake test,the MOT tester may advise adjustment but should pass it.
some cars nowadays dont have handbrake levers,they have electronic hand brakes so they couldnt be measured by clicks.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

RaCinG_SnAkE wrote: »

It doesn't really matter whether you have it in 1st or reverse. The car doesn't "know" which way up or down a hill it's pointing!

Actually, it does. Engines only turn in one direction.

RaCinG_SnAkE_3

Sorry, I don't understand your point?

When the engine is off and the car is "in gear", it is the gearbox that is preventing the car rolling away down the hill.

fletcher1985

i have just got in from work and my handbrake did 10 clicks that was to make the car stay still, but only on a slight slope it will hold the car it wont hold it at all on a hill

goldspanners

RaCinG_SnAkE wrote: »

Sorry, I don't understand your point?

When the engine is off and the car is "in gear", it is the gearbox that is preventing the car rolling away down the hill.

correct,well its probably more the differential doing the work,but on a front wheel drive we wont split hairs.

anewman

It's better to check and adjust the rear shoes first before going for the handbrake cable adjuster. Most, if not all, shoe auto-adjusters on the back do not work properly. It's also an opportunity to check the condition of drums/shoes etc (and for Kwikfit to tell you loads needs replacing :rotfl: if you were unfortunate enough to go there.)

RaCinG_SnAkE_3

10 clicks is excessive. You really want the handbrake to start to bite after 2 clicks, and then really clamp up after 3-4.