Inevitable handbrake issue...

[Bilko]

Hi all,
While working through 'to do' list on my 3200, i've now almost reached the stage of refurbishing my handbrake.
I'm hopeful someone will be able to help out with a few answers.
Re-lining on the handbrake shoes what depth in millimetres should actual friction pad be ? And secondly are there aftermarket parts/kit to replace the two handbrake cables ? Just in case!
Any hints or tips will be appreciated and when I attempt this job I'll post a few pictures and share the experience Thanks

 

[redsonnylee]

Can't remember the depth, however I used http://www.belfastbrakespecialists.co.uk to refurbish the shoes. Very quick turnaround 3 days from memory. Highly recommended.

 

[Bilko]

Cheers , read through previous links on the forum regards your link,I've got a local guy,but if I can't get info I need I certainly give them a try.thanks for the recommend

 

[davy83]

i have rebuilt my handbrake several times and this last time i really stripped it because it seemed to always come apart or seize up so quickly. So for what its worth, i replaced the back plates on the handbrake assembly as these seem to weaken and bend and the shoes sit off straight with the hubs. There is a little pulley mechanism under the car in the centre that balances the cable tension between both sides it was seized and stripping this and cleaning it up helped a lot, i also replaced the cable which helped a bit. I also replaced the disks and hubs and my handbrake now works quite well

 

[alfatwo]

It was all done 40 years ago by ATE, what with the Alfa 105 series and Volvo...Its an easy system to work with and surprisingly effective.

Dave

 

[tappets]

Well worth replacing the cable assy...........I went OEM as from memory price was quite reasonable. Just clean everything up of rust/scale, use good anti seize on all threads and replace shoes and anything that looks corroded. Give brake drums a good rub with emery paper and clean. Real problem up there due to salted roads..........rebuilt mine 8 yrs ago and still operates great!

 

[Bilko]

Thanks guys,appreciate the info I'm planning to order the necessary parts and I'm hoping to complete the job in the coming weeks..fingers crossed

 

[davy83]

...rebuilt mine 8 yrs ago and still operates great!

Are you sure you actually drive this car 8 years I mean thats outstanding. I would reckon getting any part of the 3200 to run for 8 years is a serious achievement but the handbrake, well done!

 

[conaero]

My twopennethworth, check where the cable attaches to the shoe pull mechanism, it becomes detached easily and the tin plate protector behind it also snaps and falls off, you have to replace it.

 

[Bilko]

Thanks for that tip ,I'm reading up on the job before starting and trying to work out the parts that are likely to need replacement. Seems reasonably straightforward but I won't know for sure until it's apart !