Handbrake cable snapped
- Thread starter lacey1985
- Start date
Currently reading:
Handbrake cable snapped
Not a lot of detail there, but process much the same on all cars.
Cable attaches to lever, either inside car, under carpet or inside centre console, so you'd have to find the way in, or may attach under the car. Start under the car, under the handbrake lever and see whether it attaches here, or disappears inside.
WHEN UNDER THE CAR, MAKE SURE IT IS PROPERLY SUPPORTED AND IDEALLY HAVE SOMEONE ELSE THERE IN CASE OF MISHAP. KEEP SAFE.
Other end of cable attaches to each wheel. Make sure cable adjuster is slack when fitting, then adjust to remove slack, with lever down, but don't make the cable tight. There will be conflicting advice on number of clicks on lever, but this will depend on actual model. Lever needs to travel a bit to allow show self-adjusters to work. Too much travel will not apply the brake properly.
You need to identify why it broke. Old age? Or is something in the drums seized, causing excessive strain on the cable. Sort this at the same time. For advice on removing drums and freeing off seized handbrake levers, you will need to specify the model, so someone with experience of that model can advise.
Cable attaches to lever, either inside car, under carpet or inside centre console, so you'd have to find the way in, or may attach under the car. Start under the car, under the handbrake lever and see whether it attaches here, or disappears inside.
WHEN UNDER THE CAR, MAKE SURE IT IS PROPERLY SUPPORTED AND IDEALLY HAVE SOMEONE ELSE THERE IN CASE OF MISHAP. KEEP SAFE.
Other end of cable attaches to each wheel. Make sure cable adjuster is slack when fitting, then adjust to remove slack, with lever down, but don't make the cable tight. There will be conflicting advice on number of clicks on lever, but this will depend on actual model. Lever needs to travel a bit to allow show self-adjusters to work. Too much travel will not apply the brake properly.
You need to identify why it broke. Old age? Or is something in the drums seized, causing excessive strain on the cable. Sort this at the same time. For advice on removing drums and freeing off seized handbrake levers, you will need to specify the model, so someone with experience of that model can advise.
Should be covered in the Haynes Manual if there's not a guide in the Guides.
