Handbrake Probs

Handbrake woes.....

My rear calipers, h/b cables, pads, flexies and copper lines are all new. But the brakes drag on, and as they get warmer seize up.

From what I understand from other people's problems, the Renault H/B cables are a bit short. So the pads don't release.

Is there a different handbrake adjuster available from anyone that is longer than the std one so the handbrake can release properly.

Thanks

Rupert, before you do anything else, I take it that you have adjusted the hand brake, but how many clicks are there before the hand brake is on. There should be a min of 7 clicks other wise the hand brake will not release properly, if you have got 7 clicks or more the hand brake is not your problem, However if you cant adjust it to get at least the 7 clicks, then your brakes will bind

John

Handbrake woes.....

Is there a different handbrake adjuster available from anyone that is longer than the std one so the handbrake can release properly.

Thanks

Yes! The adjusters that I had made.

Grrrr, so why didn't you put one on !

Get one in the post dude!

Okay, so I drove it up the lane to see what the brakes would do and they started to tighten up again. So I undid the adjuster on the handbrake lever so the cables weren't on at all. By the time I got home the car wouldn't roll, really tight on.
Has anyone any idea about this.
Totally pissed off.

Ok, so it isnt the hand brake, then the only other thing it could be is the hydraulics. This is a long shot but the brake servo could be faulty.
Test.... jack rear of car up on axel stands....with engine stopped, press the brake pedal, say a dozen times to release any captive vacuum....see if you can turn the rear wheels by hand. If they appear free.......start the engine...do not put in gear....and see if the wheels are still free or if there is resistance due to the servo slightly bringing on the brakes.
I know its a long shot but worth eliminating.

Worth a try John, but I still think it is the handbrake. I reckon once its all hot it won't release, but I bet its rolling again in the morning.

If it does I'll try and drive it without the h/b connected to see what happens.

[mettersl]

What state are the sliders and main pistons in the rear callipers?

I had the same problem on the front of our Honda, after much scratching of head, it turned out to be dirt on the pistons underneath the dust shields, a bit of polishing and the pistons slide easily again and no binding. No handbrake to confuse things here.

I missed it as the dust shields cover the piston as it comes out, sadly not enough to stop stuff sticking to the pistons.

Lee

Calipers all new and very clean.

Will try tomorrow with no handbrake connected to see how it goes assuming my pump remedy works and it drives!

Looks nice though!

Good very good looking at makes me remember why I started mine

Si21 keep at it

Looking good Rupert .....one other small thing to check though, which will only take a few minutes.... remove the pedals cover and check to see if there is any restriction which may be causing the brake pedal not to return to its full off position, ie small pebble or something, as this could cause the brakes to be very slightly on all the time especially with the engine running, if you get my drift.

Ok, so it isnt the hand brake, then the only other thing it could be is the hydraulics. This is a long shot but the brake servo could be faulty.
Test.... jack rear of car up on axel stands....with engine stopped, press the brake pedal, say a dozen times to release any captive vacuum....see if you can turn the rear wheels by hand. If they appear free.......start the engine...do not put in gear....and see if the wheels are still free or if there is resistance due to the servo slightly bringing on the brakes.
I know its a long shot but worth eliminating.

Did this with handbrake disconnected, reset pads so hubs span free. Pressed the brake a lot. Hubs still free. Started it and ran it up in gear for a while til they started to seize up.....
I'll try again tomorrow with the servo disconnected where it goes into the inlet manifold.

Though I've just re read your post and I see what you mean, just try it with the engine running, not in gear even....

Though I've just re read your post and I see what you mean, just try it with the engine running, not in gear even....

Yes....out of gear...by running it in gear, it is just the same as driving down the road......however, if resistance is felt, engine running, out of gear, that would indicate a possible servo problem.
Have you checked for possible foreign body under the brake pedal?

Yes, no cover over the pedals at the mo anyway. The pedal doesn't return properly (never did) and needs a spring or something to get it back - something better than the edge of my shoe anyway.

Getting the pistons to screw into the calipers is almost impossible, beginnning to wonder if the pads are too thick, though they did go back in eventually.

Hate it.

Rupert, you may be hating it, but it looks gorgous