Stuck parking brake

[Kitcat]

On my Birkin. I suspect even with my non-existent mechanical skills, I can fix it with a little guidance-hence this post.

 

The brake is on, even tho the brake lever has been released. It is not super tight: it keeps the car from rolling, but I can maneuver the car in my driveway in spite of it. I tried backing up but that didn't release it, ditto going forward (each direction about 30').

 

So, which wheel (passenger rear?), and does someone have a diagram that mite explain what goes where and what mite be adjustable and/or out of whack?

 

Just noticed this is my 2000th post. Seems appropriate that it's a repair issue:).

 

Thx!

 

Mike

Edited August 17, 2012 by Kitcat

[yellowss7]

Mike, I don't know about the Birkin, but on the Cat, the adjustment is made under the car by turning a plastic piece on the cable that goes from the brake lever to the calipers that changes the tension.

 

Tom

[11Budlite]

Mike - On my 2001 live axle Birkin the handbrake cable is adjusted at the handbrake lever, with a 10 or 12mm nut if I remember correctly. Sorry I don't have a better picture showing it but this is the best I could do. The lever and adjuster is covered by the boot in my photo. I suppose you could also adjust it at the outer cable as well. Not sure how much was changed going to the IRS model.

[JohnK]

A reasonable guess, given that it happened all of a sudden, is that something jamed or managed to build up enough rust to affect it. WD-40 and judicious jiggling and light tapping along the path of the line of parts that make up the system - look for something to adjust itself as you do so for the specific site of the binding.

[wemtd]

Mike

I had a similar problem this spring after THOROUGHLY washing my car after a quick trip to have it inspected :ack:. When i released the hand brake lever the pads wouldn't fully release? My problem was rectified by spraying WD40 into the hand brake cable sheathes to lubricate the brake cables.

Your car should be similar to mine: beneath your rear diff the cable from the brake lever connects to a linkage, and in turn to two cables (L&R). On these cables there is a an adjustment bolt . (adjust both nuts to tighten/loosen - i think its a 13 or 15mm wrench).

 

Hopefully this pic helps: taken from above witout the diff mounted. (or brake lines connected). - regrettably technology is preventing proper picture annotation for you tonight.

 

cheers

P.

Edited August 18, 2012 by wemtd
new and improved digital technology !!!

[Kitcat]

Thx guys; I will modify my BFH plan and be a bit more judicious w/the tapping, and more generous w/the lubing.