Technical Handbrake only one wheel

[devilish]

Hi I have a 3dr Stilo jtD which has just failed its MOT due to one rear wheel not locking when hand brake applied.

The adjuster under the centre console is not pulling on each cable equally so the adjuster sits at an angle. I thought as mentioned in an older thread this would be a snapped cable but the cable and caliper on that side are new within last 12 months.

When I have checked the calipers the lever the cable pulls on to apply the brake is moving as normal but is further forward on the faulty side hence the cable isnt applying the brake.

As I understand it the handbrake mechanism in the caliper is meant to self adjust as the pads wear but it would appear this has not been happening and now the handbrake isnt pulling far enough.
Is there a manual way to adjust this.
I fitted the caliper myself as a refurb unit on exchange, does this mean its faulty or will I have done something wrong fitting it.

thanks

 

[Davren]

The metal link that the front end of the two cables attaches to doesn't have to be straight. It pivots in the middle to allow for manufacturing difference in the length of the cables and to allow for one cable being streched more than the other. Such as when only one new cable is fitted. Because of the pivot, the handbrake lever will still exert the same force and travel on both cables.

If both levers on the callipers are moving but one wheel isn't locking, it's likely that the automatic adjuster isn't working or wasn't set correctly when the calliper was fitted.

Chock a wheel and loosen the handbrake cable adjustment nut so that both cables are completely slack, then with the engine running, repeatedly press the brake pedal vigorously about 20 times. This should set the calliper automatic adjusters correctly.

Re-tighten the handbrake cable adjuster nut so the handbrake is fully applied at about 5 or 6 clicks of the handbrake lever. Check that the wheels are free to turn when the handbrake is released and check it again immediately after using the car when the brakes are hot. This is what you should have done after fitting the new calliper and cable.

 

[Deckchair5]

The reason the balance lever is at such an angle is because the handbrake cables are very different lengths now. They stretch a lot and so it's more than the balance lever can take care of. When it's so bad that it's not applying the brakes at all on that side then you need to replace the old cable

You can mess about with spacers but it's hardly worth it as the old cable is now liable to snap or sod's law it will freeze up solid in the winter due to outer protective cable wearing through and water getting in

Just one of those things that's it's best to replace in pairs if they are well worn. Your handbrake will be more efficient and feel much nicer afterwards too

 

[ziggystar]

I've just had two new calipers for MOT one Was leaking other one seized hand brake adjuster. They were replaced 2years ago. 54 stilo jtd