Opinions on line-lock as a park brake/308? | FerrariChat

Opinions on line-lock as a park brake/308?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by greg328, Nov 3, 2005.

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  1. greg328

    greg328 F1 Rookie

    Nov 17, 2003
    4,178
    Austin, TX USA
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    Greg
    I'm sure many of you have read my recents posts dealing with my search for a park brake solution, needed because I've purchased a big-brake kit for my 308. Installation of the new rears will result in the loss of the park brake, integral to the OEM rear calipers.

    I've heard more than one person mention the option of installing a line-lock to serve as a park brake. Obviously this is not a mechanical/cable-actuated device, and relies on hydraulics, which are subject to failure, but don't we all rely on hydraulics to save our butt as we speed around in our F-Cars anyway??!!

    Because a line-lock uses the main brakes, and holds them clamped to the discs over a possibly long period of time, could this introduce added wear/stress to the hydraulic system? Say the line-lock was engaged for a few days/weeks......

    I'd like to know others' opinions on the feasibility/legality (for inspections)/safety aspects of a line-lock. Seems much simpler than pursuing a park brake caliper solution.

    Thanks,
    Greg
    1977 308 GTB USA
     
  2. Peter

    Peter F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 21, 2000
    6,430
    B.C., Canada
    It would be a possibility, as David Clarke, previous owner of 365 P2/3 S/N: 0826, needed to fit a parking brake system in order to pass UK's MOT test. He used a brake lever from an English sedan and looped the cable around back to the brake pedal (making sure it would not hang-up, or interfere with brake pedal action while driving). It worked for him and I suppose, this system would be semi-legit, as it was mechanical/cable operated. Reference article: Cavallino #52, Aug./Sept. 1989.

    As you suspect, not too sure if constant pressure from a line-lock would affect the brake seals. Maybe not, as I'm sure the parking brake levers on the old 308 calipers acted directly on the pistons anyways. How would you make sure the line-lock isn't accidentally released (a parking brake has a ratchet-locking mechanism)?
     
  3. chrismorse

    chrismorse Formula 3

    Feb 16, 2004
    2,150
    way north california
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    chris morse
    One of the things i worry about with a line lock is very slight leakage/seepage over time, that is how well does the seal in the valve hold the pressure for say a day or week or month. Can the master cylinder leak just a tiny bit over time, or anything else. Having the brake come off enough to allow the car to roll......not good.

    I don't know about long term pressure causing deformation in master cylinder seals or caliper seals.

    Given the relatively light amount of pressure used to "set the brake" and the lack of temperature at the caliper end would probably not cause any undue stress on these parts, but i just have no clue as to the long term use of the lock.

    We need long term users to testify.

    chris
     
  4. greg328

    greg328 F1 Rookie

    Nov 17, 2003
    4,178
    Austin, TX USA
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    Greg
    The more I think about it, I'd really prefer a cable-actuated park brake caliper, tied to the console lever. The line-lock thing, although it seems simple, would be subject to possible problems, like Peter and Chris said.

    Can anybody provide a part number/picture of the Brembo park brake caliper? I've seen 1 picture of this specific part on Rizzo's 308, but I can't locate it in the Brembo catalog. Maybe it pulls laterally...

    Greg
     
  5. jonathan70

    jonathan70 Rookie

    Feb 25, 2005
    22
    I've seen line-locks used on many (drag race) cars as a parking / on-the-trailer brake and it seems to work fine. One friend of mine used it and passed the Connecticut DMV inspection on a street car.

    I think there may be some confusion on what the line lock does, as it does NOT keep the master cylinder activated. You step on the brake pedal, then activate the line-lock and then release the brake pedal. The line-lock solenoid valve keeps pressure on the line downstream (to the caliper) only. So you can use it on one wheel or one axle, depending on your preference. And you could certainly use the existing parking brake handle to activate the electric switch for the line-lock, which would preserve the stock appearance from the interior of the car.

    As to Chris's concern about long term leakage... my thought is that if any leakage is occuring while the line-lock is being used, then you have a brake system problem anyway - brake lines and components should NOT leak. I suppose you could worry about the line-lock solenoid valve leaking (or loosing its seal), but I would consider this unlikely for such a device, as it uses the "trapped pressure" in the brake line to hold itself closed - like a door on a Amphicar (wow - what a tangential example !).

    I do agree with Chris's opinion that no damage will occur to any brake component - you will not try to push the brake pedal thru the floor, just press it enough to prevent any motion of the car while parked.

    And FWIW - I'd rather use a block of wood than risk a rube-goldberg "cable to my brake pedal" solution. Too much chance of interfering with real braking function for me !
     
  6. greg328

    greg328 F1 Rookie

    Nov 17, 2003
    4,178
    Austin, TX USA
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    Greg
    Jonathan,
    Thanks, I appreciate the info.

    Maybe I'll consider the line lock idea after all. Going this route wouldn't require all the custom machining to the rear upright I was facing, if adding a second park caliper.

    Any more opinions, guys/gals?

    Greg
     
  7. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

    Jul 22, 2004
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    Steve W.
    Greg,

    Are you going to be driving the car on the street, or is the upgrade primarily for track use? If you are only driving the car on the track/off road, and you only want the line-lock for parking the car, it sounds okay. But if you are driving the car on the street, especially if you're using it regularly, IMHO you really need the separate parking brake. After all, it's not really a parking brake. It is really called an "emergency brake." The idea is, if your hydraulic system fails, you can still stop the car by means other than running it into something. Maybe it's just me, but I'd never drive a car on the street without a functioning emergency brake, even in a car with split dual system.

    Steve
     
  8. greg328

    greg328 F1 Rookie

    Nov 17, 2003
    4,178
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    Steve,
    This car will only be a street car. A cable-actuated caliper is probably the smart way to go, but a feasable solution to that option is challenging.
    I'm still looking...

    Greg
     
  9. spider348

    spider348 Formula 3

    Nov 3, 2003
    1,264
    MA
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    John
    IMHO your line-lock solution is a feasible answer to a difficult issue. I understand the concerns regarding the lack of an actual mechanically actuated emergency brake system but ask yourself this: Do you know of anyone 1st hand who has had a total brake failure where the emergency brake saved their butt? A possible scenario but, IMHO, statistically remote.
    Of course my opinion could be completely wrong!
     
  10. Newman

    Newman F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 26, 2001
    14,092
    Canada
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    Newman
    Lincoln LS' use a hydraulic park brake as well, not sure yet if it locks all 4 wheels but with traction control and abs it wouldnt be any harder to control all 4 rather than the rears only. I would do the line lock thing but doesnt it require power to keep the valve activated?
     
  11. LarryS

    LarryS Formula Junior

    Nov 14, 2003
    302
    Fremont, CA
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    Larry S
    My stock 308 parking brake won't hold anything!
    If I had a hydraulic brake failure, wind resistance from opening the door would be better than my parking brake for slowing down.
    Maybe mine is worse than normal?
    A place I worked for had line-locks on the fork lifts, and the way this manufacturing company used these fork lifts, the line-lock were set & released hundreds of times a day, never had a problem.
     
  12. marankie

    marankie Formula Junior

    Aug 30, 2004
    252
    Agoura Hills, Calif
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    Martin
    The seals in hydraulic brake systems, caliper seals, even master cylinder seals were never realy designed to keep constant pressure on them over time, and depending on the stiffness (spring rate) of the enclosing material (calipers) will loose pressure over time, thus lessening the clamping force of the brake. Cable operated system have a relatively low spring rate and so a little relaxation in the "stretch" of the cable over time, will not markedly reduce the clamping force. Race cars do not have parking brakes and are held stationary in reverse gear.
    Martin Jansen
     
  13. greg328

    greg328 F1 Rookie

    Nov 17, 2003
    4,178
    Austin, TX USA
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    Greg

    Larry,
    Sounds Like your park brake could use some adjustment. I adjusted mine, and it holds strong! (1977 308)

    Martin,
    I know, you're probably right. I'd like to find a simple solution to this problem, but I'm starting to doubt that a line-lock is the answer.
    The main strike against it seems to be "wear on seals", rather than the "risk of loss of hydraulics",....right?

    Greg
     
  14. pad

    pad Formula 3

    Sep 30, 2004
    1,418
    Tequesta, FL
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    Paul Delatush
    The line lock brake makes sense in almost all applications. It will work as an emergency brake for those times when one should be used, ie, stopped on a hill and then moving forward without rolling backwards, or to hold the car once stopped while the engine is running. I never leave a emergency brake on while the car is in storage nor while sitting over night in the garage. And how many of us ever use the brake while parking? Normally, we just leave it in gear. As to stopping using a mechanical brake in an emergency, go out and try it. Chances are something else will stop you first.
    And to the question that using the line lock may cause leaks, well, I'd rather find that out while parked, rather then when I apply the brakes going down a hill...
     
  15. greg328

    greg328 F1 Rookie

    Nov 17, 2003
    4,178
    Austin, TX USA
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    Greg
    Good points Paul.

    On a different thread, Wil de Groot is suggesting a line lock controlled by the OE console lever. The lever would activate the line lock. Not sure how to do this--anybody care to suggest how this could be done? Wil?


    Thanks,
    Greg
    77 308
     
  16. Steve King

    Steve King F1 Rookie

    Feb 15, 2001
    4,367
    NY
    OK Greg why the big concern over the hand brake. I don't think I have used one on any of my cars since my 66 e-type. I guess if you have machining capability you could adapt any large brake calipers from any new car or if you look at the xke rears they had a seperate pad set for the handbrake. Enjoy the ride
     
  17. jonathan70

    jonathan70 Rookie

    Feb 25, 2005
    22
    Greg -

    Maybe too simple of a solution, but if there is a dashboard indicator light for having the handbrake on, then this electical circuit can be used to control the line-lock's electric solenoid. Light on = line-lock on :>)
     
  18. velocityengineer

    velocityengineer Formula Junior

    Nov 8, 2003
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    Eric Dahl
    Another way to do this is in the style of rally racing cars.

    They use a conventional handbrake lever attached to a master cylinder plumbed in line with the rear brake calipers. when the lever is pulled, only the rear calipers recieve pressure. Your lever has ratcheting stops, rally levers do not, they are spring loaded to return as the driver lets go. So your secondary MC would have pressure until you release the lever as normal.

    This can be done and avoid the wiring and battery drain of a line lock. These complete units are available at rally racing supply houses such as demon tweeks out of the UK.
    Have a look.

    By the way, the Brembo rear e brake caliper as used on the F360, Lamborghini, and Jag models will run you about $1000 each. Race technologies has them. The jaguar uses a simple stepper motor to pull the cable instead of a lever.
    Take a close look at the Stop Tech parking caliper, it is very good, and they can help you.
    Also, Wilwood is now selling a drum-in-hat bolt on assemby that you might be able to adapt to the hub. You may need a new rear rotor bell to have drum contact, but its a possibility also.

    Have a think on that.

    -E
     
  19. greg328

    greg328 F1 Rookie

    Nov 17, 2003
    4,178
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    Steve,
    I guess I just want the back-up safety of a handbrake in case of hydraulic failure, however miniscule that chance may be. I also use the park brake often, under several circumstances, say parking for a moment w/ the engine running. Can't be left in gear in this situation.

    Jonathan,
    Good idea, but would present electrical battery drain...

    Eric,
    Good info. I should have known the Brembo would be prohibitively expensive. I'll check out Stop Tech.
    The "rally" method only uses the rear main calipers, with no need for a secondary caliper? I like this idea the best! Where would I mount the Master Cylinder?

    I appreciate all your ideas.

    Eric, when you have a moment, please expound on the "rally" method. If possible, I'd like to avoid the machining work required with a second caliper..

    Thanks,
    Greg
     
  20. don_xvi

    don_xvi F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
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    Don the 16th
    Can I just say "I disagree" or do I need to clarify that I disagree with you on EVERY point offered here? I note the irony of saying it works great as an EMERGENCY brake for all of your non emergency applications. I use my parking brake every time I park the car. Much better than putting it in gear and then being sloppy when I get in and lurching my car forwards or backwards into the next car when I hit the starter.
    If the world belonged to me I'd say "YOU ARE WRONG!" but it doesn't, so all I can say is I disagree! ;)
     
  21. velocityengineer

    velocityengineer Formula Junior

    Nov 8, 2003
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    Eric Dahl
    Rally cars need to lock the rear end alone to slide around corners and rotate the car. They use a vertical handle without any ratchet mech that is spring loaded to return. They just yank it to lock the rear up and let it go as they get back into the throttle.

    Your e brake lever will remain as stock in the cockpit. You can modify the crank mech underneath, or use the cable, to push or pull a small MC mounted in a fabricated bracket. Brake lines need to be fabbed up, and the rear lines need to be modified. You run lines from the pbrake MC into the rear lines with a one way check valve. As you actuate the MC via the lever, pressure is applied to the rear calipers. Lever off and pressure is off. Sounds easy but like everything else suggested here, there is alot of R&D time and effort to get it right. A hint is that motorcycle some MCs have sealed reservoirs and can fit in small places.

    Keep in mind that if there is a hydraulic failure in a rear caliper or line, the ebrake is also out. DOT specifies a mechanical Ebrake and not line locks or hydraulic systems for that reason.

    I have done a similar system for another car, but I havent looked at the specifics of the 308 e brake handle and so on.

    Thats about as much as I can tell you without charging you for engineering time. Just kidding.

    -Eric
     
  22. bretm

    bretm F1 Rookie

    Feb 1, 2001
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    fwiw, if your calipers can't hold normal braking pressure (as maintained per the line-lock) while you go in and have dinner, run into a store, eat lunch, etc. then you have a much bigger problem...

    I just don't see how the line-lock is a bad idea. Personally, I'd do a mechanical one instead of electric, but that's just my preference.

    I use my parking brake everytime I park the car, plain and simple, a good habit to get into. I don't see the problem with the linelock here though, we're not talking about standing with both feet on the pedal and quickly flipping the lock on. Barely touching the brakes is enough to keep the car from rolling on all but the steepest hills.

    fwiw#2, I think the old man's 04 Silverado has a hydraulic parking brake as well, it sure as hell feels like it. Keep in mind, 6000lb truck, etc. vs 3000lb car. Just my $.02.
     
  23. don_xvi

    don_xvi F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
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    I'm curious what makes the parking brake feel like it's hydraulic?
     
  24. bretm

    bretm F1 Rookie

    Feb 1, 2001
    4,577
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    It's like mush almost, with no ratcheting noise and pushes right to the floor (with normal parking brake pressure). It might be cable actuated, I haven't read up on it or gotten underneath to check, but it's unlike any I've felt. It's silent all around, don't hear a cable tension, etc. And when you pull the release, the pedal comes up slowly. I can't picture it relying on the ratchet itself to apply pressure, ie hold a cable, based on how softly it releases. Apparently it's strong enough to hold the truck no problem, so kudos to GM however they did it.
     
  25. Peter

    Peter F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 21, 2000
    6,430
    B.C., Canada
    I'm sure it would be a cable system, as earlier stated, it's a requirement and I suspect the slow action of this one of yours is due to drag of the cable in it's housing, or along it's routing to the rear brakes. Cable may need lubing.

    It should get progressively harder as you press further, with a ratcheting noise/feel and should snap quickly back when released.

    For my cars, I do both, apply parking brake and put it into 1st gear when parked.
     

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