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360 Stuck handbrake handle

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by gobuffs2002, Oct 16, 2014.

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  1. gobuffs2002

    gobuffs2002 Karting

    Aug 7, 2010
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    #1 gobuffs2002, Oct 16, 2014
    The Handbrake handle is stuck in the down position after releasing stuck handbreak calipers. The car rolls without problems. The handbrake calipers got stuck after a long ride in the mountains and a rest for lunch with car parked with handbrake on. We were able to release the handbrake calipers by rocking the car. Now the handle is stuck and will not raise the engage the handbrakes.

    Any thoughts on what the problem may be?

    Thanks everyone.
     
  2. kommons

    kommons Karting

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    #2 kommons, Oct 16, 2014
    sounds like a jammed cable, seized piston or self adjuster in the caliper. How did you release the handbrake when it got jammed, was it easy? or could something have broken in the handle mechanism?
     
  3. gobuffs2002

    gobuffs2002 Karting

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    #3 gobuffs2002, Oct 16, 2014
    Chris, the handbrake released properly when the caliper(s) got stuck. The brake light was off on the dash. We released the calipers by rocking the car back and forth till the car was able to roll with a drag.
     
  4. kommons

    kommons Karting

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    #4 kommons, Oct 18, 2014
    Inspect the brake cable underneath the car then follow by inspecting each parking caliper assembly independently. Maybe there's something visually broken and jammed. On the Ferrari, the left caliper engages first so check that side first. It seems odd for it to seize that quickly which is why it seems like perhaps something broke.
     
  5. gobuffs2002

    gobuffs2002 Karting

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    #5 gobuffs2002, Oct 20, 2014
    Thanks for the input Chris. Here is what I found out by taking the rear wheels off. The drivers side E brake caliper appears frozen in the open position. I was only able to move the leaver attached to the cable about 1/4 of an inch. I tried slightly tapping it with a hammer and was not able to get any additional movement. On the passenger side, I was able to get the leaver to move about an inch.

    After doing this, I was able to get the hand brake handle up one notch, no more.

    To net it out I think I need to replace the drivers side caliper and possibly the passenger side.

    Thoughts?

    Is there a way to rebuild the caliper? Does Bembo sell an e-brake rebuild kit?

    Thanks.
     
  6. kommons

    kommons Karting

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    #6 kommons, Oct 21, 2014
    Try hacking on it, it seems like it's pretty simple inside. I'm not clear if there's parts or not, I would probably search around.

    Here's a video that shows a very similar caliper for an audi. I'm assuming construction is probably identical.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPRNbn9bdJg
     
  7. vrsurgeon

    vrsurgeon F1 World Champ
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    #7 vrsurgeon, Oct 21, 2014
    What I would do is remove it from the spindle if you think its stuck. To do this, lift up the car and remove the rear wheel. Then undo the three bolts that hold on the rear tie rod to the body of the car. This will allow you to "swing" the spindle and brakes outward.

    The handbrake caliper is held on by two hex bolts. I think 4mm but don't quote me. You can take it off and lubricate it. The way that you "reset" it is by twisting the piston clockwise back into the caliper. There are two holes in the piston that you can use to twist it back in.

    You sure the pulley and the cable on the drivers side is OK?
     
  8. Spdrcrj

    Spdrcrj Formula 3
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    #8 Spdrcrj, Oct 21, 2014
    Do you have aftermarket headers? this happened to me and the heat from the headers affected the cable. Had to have the cable replaced. Then put the stock headers back on.
     
  9. gobuffs2002

    gobuffs2002 Karting

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    #9 gobuffs2002, Oct 21, 2014
    Curt, thank you for the, information. I did not realize the piston was self adjusting. How far do I twist the piston back in to "reset" it?

    Curt, are you talking about the pulley on the caliper or the pulley where the adjustment bolt is located?

    Jim, I do have Fabspeed ceramic coated headers on the car. Did you have to replace the e-brake caliper?
     
  10. Spdrcrj

    Spdrcrj Formula 3
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    #10 Spdrcrj, Oct 21, 2014
    Hey John, no I didn't replace any caliper components. The ceramic coated Agency Power headers created too much heat too close to the hand brake cable and messed it up. Replaced cable assy, all was good.
     
  11. sparetireless

    sparetireless Formula 3

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    #11 sparetireless, Oct 21, 2014
    same, it melted the cable and wrecked the caliper, caliper is a grand, install about $500, cable is a couple hundred more,

    I installed insulation over the cable now. I think it may be radiant heat.
     
  12. gobuffs2002

    gobuffs2002 Karting

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    #12 gobuffs2002, Oct 22, 2014
    Thanks guys, I'll look at the cable this weekend. Thank you
     
  13. vrsurgeon

    vrsurgeon F1 World Champ
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    #13 vrsurgeon, Oct 22, 2014
    John, sorry for late reply. Yes I was thinking by the pulley by the drivers side wheel well.

    Ideally you turn both the ebrake calipers all the way in to reset them equally. But perhaps turning the one perhaps 1 or two rotations clockwise might be enough to unlock it if its not the cable that is melted or seized.
     

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