2Nd Mot Fail On Ford Focus Handbrake....

[supersub14 1]

(sorry if in wrong section, but its not a 205 so wasnt sure where to post lol)

 

My 2004 TDCi Ford Focus has just failed the retest on Offside Handbrake (it has calipers, not drums)

 

After the first fail i went to a breakers and got 2nd hand caliper from a car with 30,000 miles. Fitted it, bled it properly, adjusted the handbrake lever up, and tested it with a bar on the studs. It held tight when good pressure was applied.

 

But when tested again it still failed??

 

Nearside reading (Rear Footbrake) - 1.54KN

Offside reading (Rear Footbrake) - 1.56KN

 

Nearside reading (Handbrake) - 2.04KN

Offside reading (Handbrake) - 0.60KN

 

Apparently the difference between the 2 sides cant be any more than 40%

 

What else can it be?? The discs look fresh enough and new pads have been fitted too, which were bedded in over 50miles. Would it be cables are stretched as old caliper wasnt working properly? Or will i need to buy a another caliper, only a "new" one this time??

 

Any help is appreciated....

[Tom Fenton 1,541]

I would change the handbrake cable that side next before doing anything else. The outer metal spiral can collapse which means the effort pulling on the inner cable is not transferred to the caliper, but instead just compresses the metal spiral outer as you pull on the lever.

[Anthony 1,003]

I'd second that. Given that the footbrake effort is similar for both sides, that suggests to me that it isn't a friction (disks/pads) issue.

[supersub14 1]

cheers

 

i take it id be as well to change the cables on both sides just to be safe??

 

How does everyone else test to see if handbrake is tight enough without a machine - drive down road and rip it on and see if theres brake marks??

[M_R_205 5 1 Cars]

How does everyone else test to see if handbrake is tight enough without a machine - drive down road and rip it on and see if theres brake marks??

 

Drive at 20, pull it on, but dont heave it, see how much the car dips and which side, If they lock up its s*it hot!

[supersub14 1]

cheers

 

parts picked up. just have to fit them now and see how i get on