How do I improve my handbrake

[jay16v]

ever since i bought my car the handbrake has always been pretty crap, to hold on any sort of slope it needs to be pulled quite far up (about 6 or so clicks) and makes little/no difference when the cars moving at any speed which means i cant play around with any sort of handbrake turns!

how can i improve it, will a simple tightning up help?

ive been told its because its because it has disk brakes which arent as good as drums, surely not? how about fitting upgraded pads?

 

[pete bann]

i think you have to take off the exhaust system to be able to tighten it up. Mines crap aswell, i think its just another valver characteristic. i wouldnt have though that new pads(unless your existing ones are bald!!) that they would make any difference, just needs tightening up mate.

 

[lee922]

Mine was like that as well, failed the MOT with them. I had to strip them down and regrease them as the water had collected in the rubber boot at the back..

There still as bad as ever though..

 

[Anders]

If your pads are fine, then you can simply tighten the cable going to the rear calipers.

Jack the car up, and remove the heat sheild above the centre section of the exhaust, grab a 13mm spanner and tighten up to suit. Dont forget to do up the lock nut when done though. You dont even have to remove the exhaust.

 

[Just Bob]

Its not a HANDBRAKE, its a parking brake!

Its designed to hold the car stationary with it applied and not for doing handbrake turns!

The car is equipped with dual circuit brakes and therefore the PARKING brake has only been designed to HOLD the car when stationary.

You should have a MINIMUM of 7 clicks on the handbrake lever or premature wear of the pads will result from an over tensioned cable.

Hope that helps.

PS if you can do PARKING brake turns - post yer pics!

LOL

 

[BenR]

i dont think anybody can with the apalling HANDBRAKE on teh clios! lol

the drums are far better........

 

[Nick Read]

Ive never been able to do handbrake turns on a Clio with discs at the rear. Drums seem to lock on better so theyre better for turns.

 

[Anders]

I can in my clio. Spins round like a beauty.

 

[RobFenn]

I can on a wet cricket pitch!

 

[BenR]

Anders, you back in W.SUssex yet?

Im still stuck in W.Chilt with no cash to do anything! lol