Failed MOT on handbrake

[Jam-Speed]

My handbrake is not really working that well at all, my rear discs and pads were changed about 8-9 months ago but are quite rusty on the faces and the pads are clearly not biting well at all (when using handbrake or normal brakes). I did change the brake fluid when i fitted them. The front brakes seem fine. Any ideas on what to check/do. I am fairly competant DIY'er.

 

[Hazza]

I know f**k all about this, but maybe tightening the hand brake might help?

 

[Phil_tilt]

what did it actually fail on? the fact the handbrake cant hold the car? its not got enough clicks on it?

 

[Jam-Speed]

no just says "parking brake efficiency below requirements"

 

[maynard]

did you ask the MOT tester for a better description of what's actually failed to make it below requirements?

 

[Jam-Speed]

no

 

[maynard]

surely it's best to call and ask?

 

[SkidMarx]

How many clicks has the handbrake got?

 

[Jam-Speed]

Unfortunatly no one will be there now. Im just after some advice on things that can stop the parking working well.

 

[Jam-Speed]

not sure i can go and count, it seems to have a normal amount of travel.

 

[SkidMarx]

Yes go and count

 

[Jam-Speed]

when you pull really hard i could get 9 but starts to get fairly tight after 5/6

 

[Jam-Speed]

could it be anything to do with the calipers or pistons?

 

[mr.valver]

should only be getting about 3-4 clicks. Sounds like a mix of things, hand brake cable needing adjusting, and calipers needing a little home servicing, freein up etc. I know the ones on my car need doing before the MOT. Passenger side is isn't holding on the hand brake at all.

Just give the back end a good service and grease and you'll be reet! lol

 

[Jam-Speed]

ok thanks valver, where do you adjust the handbrake cable on the 182

 

[mr.valver]

Never adjusted any clio, but am guessing it's like most cars once you get under the car.

 

[Greeny.]

Yes its under the car!

 

[Jam-Speed]

is it in the centre just before the back box's?

 

[Soot1e]

And remove the exhaust heat sheild to get to the handbrake adjuster, it's a pain I know.

 

[SkidMarx]

Yea adjust the handbrake upto 4-5 clicks.

Depending on the state of the rear pads it might be worth de glazing them using some sandpapaer and a flat surface.

 

[guysy]

On my non sport, Remove 4 bolts. (heat shield after the cat shield)

Tighten bolt. Mine was about 4 turns. Much much better.

Car was jacked up, Once safe and wheels chocked handbrake off. Make sure platform on adjuster is level.

 

[scottyclio172]

Im also having this problem im having to leave in gear otherwise car will roll, callipers have been checked and cleaned, outer break discs are a little rusty, but break fluid is coming through fine

 

[AKFM1]

mine clicked a lot before i had a new handbrake cable fitted. found out one of mine had snapped, maybe yours has?