General Frozen Handbrake Cable - Help Please

[Shepherd]

My handbrake cable has frozen solid in the past couple of days after some sub zero nights and I had to resort to running a hair-dryer over the whole cable to defrost it as I didn't know exactly what part of the cable was frozen. Does anyone know exactly what part of the cable is susceptible to freezing so I can focus on this area and apply some preventative maintenance? I am assuming the area directly beneath the leaver under the vehicle.

 

[T14086]

buy new cable, lubricate it fully before fitting.

 

[Peat]

The problem is that water gets into the handbrake cable and freezes rectified by following the advice given below. I used a plastic milk container cut in half.

http://www.nick.hostwith.me.uk/multipla/techfaq.html

HTH
Peat

 

[T14086]

as said replace and lubricate, loads cars suffer water in cables inc pandas.

 

[jcc]

as said replace and lubricate, loads cars suffer water in cables inc pandas.

My FIAT coupe and my Multi suffered exactly same problem in freezing weather, FIAT need to do some more serious extreme weather testing I think!

 

[kick ass]

well was im thinking of making a 1 mil thick peace of metal box two put all the brake cables in much easy in and make it secure properly instead of clips and stop crap getting into the pipes.

 

[guizzo]

I've got the same problem with my handbrake, I should have shielded it off in the better weather, there's no way I'm going to do it with the weather right now (my garage is full of motorbikes). I don't think there's any need to replace it, I've stopped using it when I park up overnight and just leave it in gear instead, it's always OK to use during normal driving, I'll have to remember to shield it off when the better weather comes.

 

[kick ass]

I've got the same problem with my handbrake, I should have shielded it off in the better weather, there's no way I'm going to do it with the weather right now (my garage is full of motorbikes). I don't think there's any need to replace it, I've stopped using it when I park up overnight and just leave it in gear instead, it's always OK to use during normal driving, I'll have to remember to shield it off when the better weather comes.

dont leave it in gear it could freez you better put it on one notice and then if anything should happen at least it something you can get the hair dryer two
i was going two spay wd40 and and anityfreez two see if that works my keyborad is playing up now carnt do spaces

 

[T14086]

My FIAT coupe and my Multi suffered exactly same problem in freezing weather, FIAT need to do some more serious extreme weather testing I think!

water can penetrate the cables through the tiniest crack/split in the cable, a problem not exclusive to Fiats.

I've got the same problem with my handbrake, I should have shielded it off in the better weather, there's no way I'm going to do it with the weather right now (my garage is full of motorbikes).

as a biker you will be aware of cable lubricaters or even using a balloon, still trhink replacing cable is best though.

 

[urchin]

had the same problem with our multipla last week best thing is to start off with new cables you can get the pair for less than £30 and its a doddle to fit.

 

[guizzo]

leave it in gear always works

 

[mum2oneplustwins]

This must be what happened to mine... I was driving to pick up my hubby tonight (though it has been sub-zero the last day or two and it took ages to clear up the windscreen as it was frozen inside and out). As I started to drive it was like there was no power, like the brake was still on. When I pulled the handbrake up, it felt really slack. Drove a little bit more, but eventually had to stop and wait for a recovery van, which took about an hour or so to get to me..... grrr!

I've also had the Engine Control Faulty - Contact Garage warning coming up a bit recently. Of course, I hadn't got round to doing that yet...

I have got a new mechanic coming out to me tomorrow afternoon to have a look. He's worked with Fiats before so hoping he'll be able to sort out the problem. Thank you to JTD105 for recommending the garage in Wickford, Essex but as it's quite a way from where I am, I wouldn't have been able to drive the car there.

 

[guizzo]

At the begining of the cold weather, I'd just finished nightshift and found that the handbrake had frozen on so I just drove the car with the rear brakes binding knowing that they would get hot, when I got home I could smell the brakes and see a bit of smoke, I touched the drums through the alloys with my gloves on and it burnt holes in the fingers of them. The brakes still work fine, but since then I always leave it in gear and just use the handbrake when I need it during normal driving.
If it happens again, I'll just take off one of the hot drums and warm the handbrake cable up with it.

 

[loony]

My handbrake cable has frozen solid in the past couple of days after some sub zero nights and I had to resort to running a hair-dryer over the whole cable to defrost it as I didn't know exactly what part of the cable was frozen. Does anyone know exactly what part of the cable is susceptible to freezing so I can focus on this area and apply some preventative maintenance? I am assuming the area directly beneath the leaver under the vehicle.

I have the same problem, I park on the flat, leave handbrake off overnight but in gear. After driving for a while it soon defrosts the handbrake. Have had my multipla for 5 years and this always happens in winter.

 

[mortirolo]

I've just had all my brakes front and rear changed, togeter with the cable for the hand brake, my mechanic cut an old anti freeze bottle in half length ways and zip tied it over the self adjuster mech and cables where the wire comes out of the plastic sheathing, fingers crossed it'll do the trick

 

[mum2oneplustwins]

Further to my message yesterday, the mobile mechanic came out today. Are you sitting down? It's going to cost me over £300 in total for new brake cables, rear caliper (not sure if it is just the one), drums and discs. I think that's it. I could've cried! Not even Fiat parts!

 

[BikeDoc]

...rear caliper...drums...

One or the other, can't have both
You've either misheard them or they're trying to 'pull a fast one'.
Did they say why they were replacing the cables?
They might just need a clean/dry-out and relubing.

I'd ring round for a few more quotes if I were you.

 

[mum2oneplustwins]

I misheard! Had the repair done yesterday. He replaced all handbrake cables, one caliper, rear disc and pads. Parts £250 and labour £110 - total £360. He has found the other caliper slightly binding and recommended this be replaced at some point soon. Seems to be a common problem with Multis. Wish I'd known before i bought it. My love affair with mine is not burning quite as bright right now! My Zaffie, though really dull, was great mechanically

Oh, the mech took the car on a test drive after he had finished repairing the car last night and the driver's side wiper arm snapped off so now I need to source a cheaper one as Fiat dealers are quoting £53.74.

 

[the frog]

The rear calipers a very poor on multiplas, made worse by the handbrake cable issues - probably why they were ditched and replaced by the original drum set up a year later.

I have dodgy discs too!

The cost isn't too bad, I have a mate who did all my work for me so I didn't get charged labour. Last year it cost me £160 for a recon caliper (fiat - 1 year warranty), £15 for discs (Partco/Unipart), £20 Mintex Pads (off e-bay) and a £20 seal kit off e-bay to replace the seals in the other caliper - so that's not far off your £250 price for parts.

I highly recommend Partco for parts, it is supposed to be trade only but they will sell the the general public. One of the handbrake cables was something like £8.50 whilst another motor factor charged £18 for the other side.

 

[mum2oneplustwins]

Thanks, don't feel so bad now! Received the replacement wiper arm from Pete of Ugly Bug Bits yesterday so just waiting for the mech to come over this way to fix it. Next thing in the next month or so is a full service.... ho, hum!