Where is the handbrake cable?
It may be attached to the handbrake lever either underneath or inside the car. If the cable fits inside the car, begin by removing the carpets and the gaiter that surround the handbrake lever. The gaiter may come off with the carpet, or it may be held to the floor by screws.
What is a hand brake cable?
A handbrake cable is the steel cable that connects the handbrake lever to the parking brakes so it is an essential part of the braking system for stopping your car rolling when parked on a hill. The most common hand brake system uses levers, rods and cables.
How do you change a brake cable on a hand?
Remove parking brake cable
- Remove the cover from the handbrake lever, i.e. on the centre console.
- Loosen the adjusting nut for the handbrake lever until the bolts of the cables move freely.
- Unhook fastening bolts.
- Remove lower vehicle trims and heat shield.
- If necessary, remove the exhaust system from the brackets.
Can a handbrake cable be replaced under the car?
Replacing an exposed secondary handbrake cable is not too difficult – you can see the entire cable run under the car. It is a good idea if possible to make a sketch of exactly which brackets the cable fits to before removing it – there may be extra brackets fitted under the car for different models.
Where does the primary cable for the handbrake go?
The primary cable (where fitted) runs back from the handbrake lever to the equalizer yoke where the secondary cable or rod joins. First have a look at the primary cable to see how it fits. It may be attached to the handbrake lever either underneath or inside the car.
How do you remove a clevis cable from a handbrake?
To remove the old cable, use pliers to pull out the clevis pin securing the yoke to the handbrake lever or primary cable, then pull off the yoke complete with the secondary cable. Pull out the cable. When you fit the new cable, it’s well worth renewing any clevis pins that are grooved, as they will create a lot of slack in the linkage.
The primary cable (where fitted) runs back from the handbrake lever to the equalizer yoke where the secondary cable or rod joins. First have a look at the primary cable to see how it fits. It may be attached to the handbrake lever either underneath or inside the car.
What to do if your handbrake cable is not working?
Before you assume that the handbrake cable is the cause of a non-working handbrake, it is a good idea to check the condition of the brake shoes or pads and their adjustment. Never adjust the handbrake cable to make up for wear of the brake shoes —the shoes have their own manual or automatic adjusters to do the job.
To remove the old cable, use pliers to pull out the clevis pin securing the yoke to the handbrake lever or primary cable, then pull off the yoke complete with the secondary cable. Pull out the cable. When you fit the new cable, it’s well worth renewing any clevis pins that are grooved, as they will create a lot of slack in the linkage.