Handbrake feels loose / slack I donno but not rite

[chris182cup]

On a steep hill pulled it up far too hard, it still works but is so easy to pull up now it just doesn't feel rite.

Also goes up much further , WTF have I done now :-/

prob somethin simple for a garage to fix

 

[Struggler]

snapped one of the handbrake cables possibly??

the cable is split into two cables (one for each drum) about half way down under the car.

snapping one would mean the car still holds itself, but youll have to pull it up a lot higher.

jack up the back, and see if the handbrake is locking both wheels. otherwise you may have stretched the cable, or knackered the adjuster.

 

[Jonff]

As above but also check the rear brake pads. My handbrake seemed pretty poor and the brake pads were very low, changed the pads and the handbrake improved, also lost a few clicks on the handbrakes travel.

 

[chris182cup]

Doubt it's the pads I just yanked it far to hard and high probably the adjust thing, will jack it up check both wheels are locked.

Grrr

 

[Jonff]

Doubt it's the pads I just yanked it far to hard and high probably the adjust thing, will jack it up check both wheels are locked.

Grrr

Ahhh, didn't read your 1st post properly, didn't realise it was down to the handbrake being pulled up to hard.

 

[chris182cup]

Think it's only lockin one wheel, can feel it when I lift handbrake

 

[chris182cup]

Is it an easy fix ? Cheap?

 

[Henry]

with a pair of pliers, pull the end of the cable at the handbrake arm - sounds like a snapped cable. it's probably best to renew both sides, as the other will also be stretched if it's original, and it can be a pain trying to balance new&old cables. haven't had to do this yet, but pattern cables are often fairly poor compared with genuine ones - may not be the case with these, though - ?

 

[chris182cup]

I know how to drive a car that's how good my mechanical knowladge is, I don't own pliers. If it's easy will get garage to replace both cables

 

[Henry]

if it's snapped cleanly, you might be able to pull it out with finger tips - the cable end as it's hooked up to the brake caliper behind either rear wheel. just trying to help you make a quick diagnosis

it wouldn't take a garage long to fit cables, wouldn't have thought. they're probably not the cheapest from Renault, though

 

[chris182cup]

Cool, thanks for your help

 

[sideways danny]

sounds like you're heavily stretched the cables. New pair should sort it. Also, it's possible to bend the handbrake arms on the rear calipers, so handbrake turns are not a good idea