Hydraulic hand brake

[sk178ta]

Ian, in the sentence "this is getting......." you accidentally typed the word "silly" when you meant "very interesting"!!
Routing the cable to a conventionally placed lever would indeed be the best option but I`m hoping not to be removing the engine and box in the near future.
Jim

[1964 S1]

This thread really is wacko.
If I understand properly, the whole hydraulic brake system would be under full load for hours or maybe even days at a time?
Strange as this may seem, I've owned 7 Elans over 35 years, including one +2, in a hilly city, and NEVER have/had a functioning handbrake. (Here in the breakaway republic where the law is loose)

[1964 S1]

Please read "wacko" as "fascinating".

[JJDraper]

Yes, I find this thread strangely compelling! But for different reasons.. What is this fascination with what should be a simple and transparent function of the car? Yes, the lotus handbrake is a less than perfect device, but it does work if kept clean, slightly lubricated and has the correct components. When I took on my +2, the handbrake was cr*p, and did not work, even with new pads. Examination of the system showed wear on the pivots, pins etc. In addition, there appeared to be parts missing. Not being a machinist, I took one of the best purchase decisions of my Lotus ownership (and I have made a few poor ones!), and that was to let Classicar renovate the calipers. Expensive, but worth it. The handbrake has worked every time for the last 40k miles/5 years, and passed the MOT without a nod & a wink to the tester. The pads are only now showing signs of wear, and I will probably change them soon. The stiffest test was being put on a ramp on a cross channel ferry a few years ago.... I was worried, but the car did not move an inch. On that occasion I did leave the car in gear as well!

The design of the system makes the spring pressure and condition of the pivots critical.

The stretch to pull on the handbrake is a justifiable criticism of the system, but the spyder style centrally mounted lever looks odd! If you want techie solutions how about trying one of the hybrid hydraulic/electrical systems a la some Renaults with a discreet button somewhere convenient?!

Along with the +2 ABS and supercharging systems, all very interesting..

Jeremy