Hi All,
I'm struggling here! It's a 1989 Alfa 164. The handbrake was pretty bad, so I treated it to new Brembo discs and pads, and had the rear calipers reconditioned by Bigg Red.
Unfortunately, the handbrake has failed the MOT twice now, for poor efficiency. What's more, I do have to admit it's pretty bad! It will just about hold the car on a 1-in-10 hill. According to the MOT brake tester, I'm getting 120 kgf on the offside and 88 on the nearside. With the brake test weight of 1500kg, that leaves me with just under 15% efficiency, and I need 16 or more. There's no chance of locking a rear wheel on dry tarmac.
I've tried adjusting the pistons manually by twisting them. I've also tried letting the calipers self-adjust by just fitting them fully retracted and pressing the brake pedal a few times. Footbrake efficiency is OK.
I've tried adjusting the cable every which way too. I haven't replaced the cable but it "looks" OK and with it disconnected, I can pull the inner cable with just finger effort, on both sides, so I assume it's not seized. There MIGHT be more friction in it under load, of course.
I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to try next! I'd be grateful for any thoughts, please.
I'm struggling here! It's a 1989 Alfa 164. The handbrake was pretty bad, so I treated it to new Brembo discs and pads, and had the rear calipers reconditioned by Bigg Red.
Unfortunately, the handbrake has failed the MOT twice now, for poor efficiency. What's more, I do have to admit it's pretty bad! It will just about hold the car on a 1-in-10 hill. According to the MOT brake tester, I'm getting 120 kgf on the offside and 88 on the nearside. With the brake test weight of 1500kg, that leaves me with just under 15% efficiency, and I need 16 or more. There's no chance of locking a rear wheel on dry tarmac.
I've tried adjusting the pistons manually by twisting them. I've also tried letting the calipers self-adjust by just fitting them fully retracted and pressing the brake pedal a few times. Footbrake efficiency is OK.
I've tried adjusting the cable every which way too. I haven't replaced the cable but it "looks" OK and with it disconnected, I can pull the inner cable with just finger effort, on both sides, so I assume it's not seized. There MIGHT be more friction in it under load, of course.
I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to try next! I'd be grateful for any thoughts, please.