Hi, can someone comment on the operation of the 355 parking brake? Specifically, is it mechanically operated? More specifically, how does it compare to the park brake mechanism on a 308? You can see where I'm going with this.... Thanks for all your help!
Yes it is cable acuated... - I think there is a release under the rear area as well - if you have it stuck... I believe it is the same on the 308...
It's mechanical, but operates uniquely in that when it's engaged the handle falls to the floor (as it would be in the way of entry and exit to the driver's seat otherwise). Pull it to the top of its range, then release the end button to disengage it.
Hmmm, sounds like this thing is quite interesting. Does anyone have the details of this collapsing lever concept? Is it just a clever mechanism located on the lever that doesn't impact the tension in the cable or is that some obstacle that would need to be overcome in fitting 355 brakes on a 308? I guess I should also make clear that I'm trying to understand if the 355 park brake is located in the main caliper, or if it's something like I understand the 360 works where there's an additional mechanism at work. I'm pondering the requirements of putting 355 rear brakes on my 308, and really don't want to do more than make mounting adapters, so if anyone has knowledge to share specific to my train of thought, please do! Thanks Don
The 308 uses a rear brake caliper with a built in mechanical parking brake that uses the rear brake pads. The 355 has a fairly conventional drum brake built inside the rear brake rotor that is cable actuated by the handle. On the 355 the parking brake is completely seperate from the rest of the brake system except they both use the rear rotors to function. The feature that allows the handle to return to the lower position after setting it is all built into the handle assy. The 328 used the same type of parking brake as a 355 and you may be able to use rear uprights, rotors, etc. from a 328.
