355 Handbrake Stuck... | FerrariChat
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355 Handbrake Stuck...

Discussion in '348/355' started by MRONY, Jun 9, 2008.

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  1. MRONY

    MRONY Formula Junior

    Mar 17, 2007
    707
    New York City
    Full Name:
    Mike O.
    #1 MRONY, Jun 9, 2008
    I had to valet park it the other day and the guy must have pulled up on it like a bronco buster. I managed to work it loose after about 5 minutes, but when I absentmindedly set it again in my garage, it wont release at all. The button seems stuck down. Is the locking mechanism in the handle -- what's the best/most likely way to release the brake? Getting the car on a lift isn't going to happen easily-- I assume I can't roll it! Once it's off, I may just stop using it. That could mean my next post will be to ask for a good body shop when it rolls down some hill....
     
  2. 285ferrari

    285ferrari Two Time F1 World Champ
    Sponsor

    Sep 11, 2004
    20,976
    MD and NE
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    Robbie
    #2 285ferrari, Jun 9, 2008
    I had a similair problem awhile back. I pushed in the button, pulled up as far as I get pull it with 2 hands--to the point I thought I would break it. Then slowly lowered it and the button popped back out....
     
  3. J. Salmon

    J. Salmon F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 27, 2005
    4,367
    VA
    #3 J. Salmon, Jun 9, 2008
    If you cannot get it loose, the adjustment is easy to get to. look under the car on the driver's side near the rear of the door in line with the Pininfarina badge. You don't even need to jack it up. You will see where the cable comes out of the housing and attaches to a threaded rod. The rod goes through a T-shaped piece with the cables that run back to the calipers. Loosen the threaded rod, and the brake will come loose. Then with the brake handle released, adjust the cable tension so that it is loose when down but sets when you pull it. It's actually pretty straight forward.
     
  4. billyfitness

    billyfitness Formula Junior

    Feb 14, 2006
    581
    Overland Park, KS
    Full Name:
    Bill Leavitt
    #4 billyfitness, Jun 10, 2008
    Yes, it's an easy adjustment, and avoid valets at all costs. Last time they left my P.brake engaged...idiots. It's worth a few extra $ to have them leave it out front.
    -Billy
     
  5. jmillard308

    jmillard308 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    May 29, 2003
    6,687
    Perth West Oz
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    John Millard
    #5 jmillard308, Jun 10, 2008
    Try sliding the handle back towards the base of the lever. Sometimes they slide forward and prevent the button disengaging.
    Ask me how I know :(
     
  6. MRONY

    MRONY Formula Junior

    Mar 17, 2007
    707
    New York City
    Full Name:
    Mike O.
    #6 MRONY, Jun 10, 2008
    Will be with the car tomorrow, and try to adjust it.

    I tipped the valet $10 too. I guess that was cheap when you consider the education I am about to receive...
     
  7. BT

    BT F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 21, 2005
    15,291
    FL / GA
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    Bill Tracy
    #7 BT, Jun 10, 2008
    Same here. Sometimes the handle works a little loose and can pull toward the end of the stick, so the button isn't really pushed in at all. Wiggle the handle and see if it seats a little lower on the lever, then pull up and press the release button.
    BT
     
  8. MRONY

    MRONY Formula Junior

    Mar 17, 2007
    707
    New York City
    Full Name:
    Mike O.
    #8 MRONY, Jun 10, 2008
    It was about 95 degrees and the car was in the sun... easy for the handle to work loose with everything so hot inside.
     
  9. MRONY

    MRONY Formula Junior

    Mar 17, 2007
    707
    New York City
    Full Name:
    Mike O.
    #9 MRONY, Jun 11, 2008
    Nailed it. As soon as I opened the door, I saw metal between the handle and the leather sleeve. Slid the handle down, released the brake. Instantaneous.

    This chat room is perhaps the most awesome support group in the world. It may not be great for Ferrari dealer shops, because so many visits are lost to the simple fixes found here. Left to my own devices, I might have figured out it was the handle and not the adjustment after several hours and a lot of swearing, then hating myself for not thinking of the simplest fix first.

    God bless you, every one. Thanks!!!
     
  10. BT

    BT F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 21, 2005
    15,291
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    Bill Tracy
    #10 BT, Jun 11, 2008
    Glad I could help someone with my very limited knowledge.
    :)
    BT
     

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