Handbrake - Failed MOT

michael_771

michael_771

Good morning All,

I am having an issue with N16 Almera Sport which has recently caused me to fail an MOT. The issue has been present for a little while but this is the first time it's caused me to fail the MOT.

The issue is that despite adjustment, the handbrake doesn't appear to apply the rear brakes. I've tightened the adjustment bolt near the handbrake lever almost fully and the lever requires a fair amount of force now to raise it to the first few clicks, but in spite of this the handbrake still doesn't hold.

The rear Calipers and Discs/Pads are less than two years old. Both of the rear brakes perform adequately when using the foot pedal.

All these things into consideration, the only thing left to blame is handbrake cables... Does this seems likely to you guys given the problem I've described?

Any Help/Ideas would be appreciated :-)

Regards,
Michael
 
Handbrake cables must be good if the handbrake has more tension since adjusting it.The handbrake levers on the calipers might be seize,aged have nothing to do with it,they are exposed to all sorts of elements.Try freeing them up by doing what i do for the Primera,which is blast off the handbrake lever spring with brake cleaner then run some 3 in 1 oil down the spring/pivot where it goes into the caliper,then operrate the handbrake a few times,might free them off,if not,calipers will need stripping down or replaced.
 
Hi Prim gt, thanks for your response.

I'll have a look at the calipers this evening and will try what you've advised. Unfortunately, due to the age of the car and the fact that it also needs some welding, if the calipers need replacing again then I shall be getting rid of my faithful Almera :-(

I'll let you know how I get on, any further ideas/suggestions let me know.

Regards,
Mike
 
Well it's deffo worth a try,just depends how bad of a stage they have got to.Shame about you might be getting rid of it :(


Might be worth unclipping the cables to calipers and moving the handbrake spring with a pair of pyres if they are stuck.
 
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Afternoon,

I got around to looking at the calipers last night and it seems you were correct about the seized handbrake levers on the calipers (The cables moved freely).

I tried to clean the levers up as best I could but they still seem pretty stuck; I can't really justify the cost of reconditioning/replacing them :-(

Thanks for posting Prim gt, thanks also to the whole of AOC; I've always received helpful advice on here when I've had car issues!

cheers,
Mike
 
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