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Handbrake again

Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2012 7:38 pm
by FarmerPug
I read this guide on the handbrake removal:
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=13956

I then went to adjust the handbrakes but decided to take off the rear disks and clean away the rust, but when i went to put the disks back on i cant seem to set the cable up right to lock the back wheels, should the tensioner in the centre console be slackened with the handbrake lever up or down?

The reason i was doing this job was mainly because the handbrake wasnt great (no news there) but there was also a bit of a grumbly noise coming from the back, and it appears to be the backplate, i tried to clean it up with a wire brush but i think a new one is whats needed. There doesnt seem to be any on ebay, is there another name for them, how much do they normally cost?

Re: Handbrake again

Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2012 9:50 pm
by steve_earwig
Arm and a leg from the dealer's, but you knew that already. Try Ade?

Or you could look for the stub axle, back plate and disk complete, there's one on there now off a D8 for 30 quid which I'd suspect would be as bad as yours, if not worse.

Re-reading Jasper's post, with the handbrake down.

Btw I'm driving about just now with the old shoes from my D9 which I plan to get relined with something softer...

Re: Handbrake again

Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2012 11:11 pm
by FarmerPug
the servicebox diagram for the drum in disk doesnt show the backplate, wheras the drum only shows up a backplate and it costs around £20 a side, feck that for a bit of pressed tin.
Here is the backplate at the moment:
Image
its just flaky rust, would there be much point in taking the angle grinder with wire brush attachment?

The rear disks look like this:
Image
Its not too bad is it?

Re: Handbrake again

Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2012 11:26 pm
by steve_earwig
They're under "handbrake"

20 quid? Ho ho ho, you'll be lucky :(

Not just a bit of pressed tin - viewtopic.php?f=27&t=17917&hilit=back+plate

If I were you I'd do my best to save the back plates I have...

Re: Handbrake again

Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2012 11:46 pm
by FarmerPug
good god, £90 for a bit of pressed steel (is it the backplate which gives the 406 its superbly crap handbrake?).
Ill go to that 406 breakers and have a look

Re: Handbrake again

Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 1:09 am
by lozz
If the Back plates are not holed, id just get a wire brush on the end of the Drill,
clean them of as best you can, and few coats of Hammerite etc,

ive seen worse,

Re: Handbrake again

Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 10:42 am
by jasper5
FarmerPug wrote:the servicebox diagram for the drum in disk doesnt show the backplate, wheras the drum only shows up a backplate and it costs around £20 a side, feck that for a bit of pressed tin.
Here is the backplate at the moment:
Image
its just flaky rust, would there be much point in taking the angle grinder with wire brush attachment?

The rear disks look like this:
Image
Its not too bad is it?

As far as your handbrake goes, make sure the pivots at the caliper side are free and well lubricated before you try to adjust the shoes, also lubricate the adjusting gear (cog).

Mark the backplate with a dab of paint so you can tell where the adjuster is when the disc is back on.

With the disc back on turn the adjuster until the drum/disc locks up then turn it back a click at a time until the drum/disc can be turned with a bit of grab.

Adjust the cable under the car until the brake drums/discs lock up then slacken the cable adjuster until the drums/disc can be turned with a slight drag.

Take up any slack that might be left by adjusting the nut inside the car.


These particular backplates don't need replacing and are in fair condition, but if anyone needs to repair the backplate where the shoe holding down clips mount, use a strip of solid metal with a hole drilled through where the holding pin fits, then you can fasten the shoes to the backplate using a slightly longer holding down pin.

Re: Handbrake again

Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 10:45 am
by teamster1975
That back plate looks ok to me Frank, mine were practically disintegrating. As lozz says clean them up, give them a brush over with rust treatment & hammerite.

Re: Handbrake again

Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 1:13 pm
by marco2002
Hi
Your backplates are in better condition than mine. I've had to patch up the holes with fibreglass and tissue mat. Wire brushed the whole lot then 2 coats of hammerite. Its about all you can do to stop the rot. Good luck with it

Re: Handbrake again

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 7:32 pm
by FarmerPug
I got a wire brush for the end of the drill, it removed the really bad flaky rust and exposed a small hole on the bottom, not a back to bare metal job because there might not be much bare metal left, but i painted on some zinc 182 which filled in the small holes, although should i do the back side of the plate?
Image

I rang the 406 breaker for some backplates he said they were £30 for the pair, they might be worth having if they are in good condition.

Re: Handbrake again

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 9:58 pm
by lozz
paint both sides if you can,

as for the small holes, JB weld wouid solve that .

they look tidy mate 8)

Re: Handbrake again

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 10:30 pm
by FarmerPug
lozz wrote:paint both sides if you can,

as for the small holes, JB weld wouid solve that .

they look tidy mate 8)
The paint filled in the small holes nicely :cheesy:
Would you say all the old rust needs to be removed from the back of the plate? ie should it be completely back to shiny metal or just the flaky rust? before applying the zinc

They look tidy but the passenger side one had a bit of upturned rust that was scraping on the inside of the disk causing an unpleasant noise, but it has since been corrected with a hammer and chisel. Im thinking of sorting them out right now as opposed to in a few years time when they really need sorted, because then there is no guarantee that the parts will still be in stock at the dealers.

Re: Handbrake again

Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 6:06 pm
by bangernom1cs
Another fix perhaps. .. ..
Change the useless hold down arrangement for the shoes with a universal kit but use stainless bolts/washers and nylocs instead of the tiny pin. Youll need to open up the hole on the backplate a little first unless the rust has already beaten you to it.
Since doing this my handbrake is now perfect.

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