Re: Blasted handbrake mechanism!
Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2020 10:30 pm
I ran my Sprint without returning springs for a while many years ago and didn't notice any wear to speak of.
Upon doing my full rebuild a few years ago I put them back in - don't hinder operation.
I too shimmed one caliper to get it central over the disc - this must make sense if the handbrake pads are to hang evenly.
I suspect that the compression spring is important in getting the pads to come off the disc.
Getting slack out other tree and rod linkages is crucial if there's to be enough movement for the pads to clamp.
I put sleeves in the levers to get a good fit around the new (unworn) clevis pins.
Rather than spring for adjustable rods I just cut the end off the yoke and redrilled the holes to gain about 10mm or so.
My hand brake does work but I always put it in gear as well
It does just generate enough friction to pass an MoT and bear in mind the test is tougher on single circuit brakes.
The bottom line though is that the 'leverage' in this system is low and more force is needed at the handle than on most cars.
@JonB are you about to start a full rear end rebuild now?
Upon doing my full rebuild a few years ago I put them back in - don't hinder operation.
I too shimmed one caliper to get it central over the disc - this must make sense if the handbrake pads are to hang evenly.
I suspect that the compression spring is important in getting the pads to come off the disc.
Getting slack out other tree and rod linkages is crucial if there's to be enough movement for the pads to clamp.
I put sleeves in the levers to get a good fit around the new (unworn) clevis pins.
Rather than spring for adjustable rods I just cut the end off the yoke and redrilled the holes to gain about 10mm or so.
My hand brake does work but I always put it in gear as well
It does just generate enough friction to pass an MoT and bear in mind the test is tougher on single circuit brakes.
The bottom line though is that the 'leverage' in this system is low and more force is needed at the handle than on most cars.
@JonB are you about to start a full rear end rebuild now?