GTS 2011 Parking Brake issue, advice wanted

[Hawker]

Until this evening I had never even heard of a Pawl but thanks to you CatmanV2 and Wikipedia I now understand them - every day is a school day … and I think you are right that the car is unlikely to go anywhere in P.

So I suppose the best solution is to leave the car in P without the EPB but regularly operate the EPB just to keep the cables etc. from seizing?

I didn’t use it for a couple of weeks, silly mistake and a costly one !

 

[Harvey_Tim]

That's about the size of it. Why they even put EPBs on automatics is still a bit of a mystery to me, but there we are.

C

Does make you wonder doesn’t it !

 

[philw696]

That's about the size of it. Why they even put EPBs on automatics is still a bit of a mystery to me, but there we are.

C

It's a mechanical method of braking to supplement the hydraulic system hence why it has to be effective for the MOT test.

 

[Zep]

That's about the size of it. Why they even put EPBs on automatics is still a bit of a mystery to me, but there we are.

C

It’s because the construction and use regs require one, for emergency use as well as stopping rolling away. Plenty of stories of parking pawls being snapped by inept recovery, so not so strong really.

 

[Ebenezer]

Out of interest, is this advice based on cars that rarely get used - i.e. I have been leaving my parking brake on but my car (QPV) is used at least once a week so the EPB is regularly operated, is it still best not to use it or could there be more risk of it seizing up if it’s not used at all?

Also and apologies if this is a silly question but I am fairly new to automatics (ZF gearbox) but how solidly parked is the car just left with the gearbox in P and EPB off, could it be left on slight inclines like this?

Thanks,
Tim

As said by others, avoid leaving the handbrake on under most circumstances. You want it to work at the MOT and you don't want to be stuck solid with the inevitable inconvenience and expense of fixing it.
By all means let it operate from time to time but make sure it's off when you park up!
Eb

 

[CatmanV2]

It’s because the construction and use regs require one, for emergency use as well as stopping rolling away. Plenty of stories of parking pawls being snapped by inept recovery, so not so strong really.

Interesting. I would hazard the pawl is stronger than the EPB though.

C

 

[philw696]

Interesting. I would hazard the pawl is strong than the EPB though.

C

The problem you get from not applying the handbrake first before putting a car into Park especially if on a slope is you engage Park foot off the brake and you get a little movement as the lock engages which over time can get damaged.

 

[Scaf]

Like other I try to remember not to apply the parking brake when leaving the car for fore than a day or two, but if the set up has been regularly maintained and the shoes have not stated to delaminate etc then with regular use then things should be fine.

I am particularly cautious if the car has been washed or driven in heavy rain, as I suspect a wet handbrake is more likely to seize if left on.

I take the same precautions with my Jag.

 

[ChrisQP09]

Like other I try to remember not to apply the parking brake when leaving the car for fore than a day or two, but if the set up has been regularly maintained and the shoes have not stated to delaminate etc then with regular use then things should be fine.

I am particularly cautious if the car has been washed or driven in heavy rain, as I suspect a wet handbrake is more likely to seize if left on.

I take the same precautions with my Jag.

This has happened with me after washing car! Not a pleasant experience trying to un seize it

 

[Zep]

Interesting. I would hazard the pawl is strong than the EPB though.

C

Remember, it a bit of steel that goes into a gear, like this.



So that’s 2 tonnes (plus leverage ratio) on a bit of 4 or 6mm thick steel.

The intent of the parking lock in an auto is to replace the action of putting a manual in gear and locking the wheels to the engine.

 

[ChrisQP09]

Remember, it a bit of steel that goes into a gear, like this.

View attachment 122561

So that’s 2 tonnes (plus leverage ratio) on a bit of 4 or 6mm thick steel.

The intent of the parking lock in an auto is to replace the action of putting a manual in gear and locking the wheels to the engine.

Thanks @Zep great to see this and mode of action! Basically a ratchet system with added mass, not a great recipe when a splash of water and inactivity is added.

 

[ChrisQP09]

Does anyone have a fear or lack of confidence is parking their Mas on a hill, even a slight gradient?

 

[CatmanV2]

Thanks @Zep great to see this and mode of action! Basically a ratchet system with added mass, not a great recipe when a splash of water and inactivity is added.

Umm, that's the pawl, not the EPB

C

 

[Zep]

Thanks @Zep great to see this and mode of action! Basically a ratchet system with added mass, not a great recipe when a splash of water and inactivity is added.

Just to be clear, this is the parking lock in an auto gearbox - a splash of water would be really bad news in there!

 

[Zep]

Does anyone have a fear or lack of confidence is parking their Mas on a hill, even a slight gradient?

No - my EPB is fine. The problem with this sort of thing is that is creates paranoia, failure is rare.

 

[ChrisQP09]

Umm, that's the pawl, not the EPB

C

Epic fail for not reading the thread in full

 

[Hawker]

Will a suspension hub from a 2008 GT fit a 2010 grancabrio

 

[Zep]

It should. Best way to check is to look up the part number for both on Eurospares or Scuderia.