handbrake Cable

[DECKO]

help I was just about to go fo NCT
tomorrow (retest) it failed on handbrake
differential
anyhow it turns out one of the cables is
stretched and i need a new one anyone
know were to get one and if it is a big job


cheers Decko

[CJ]

anyhow it turns out one of the cables is
stretched and i need a new one anyone

You sure about that Decko? The FTOs handbrake is pretty crap at the best of times but you can usually sort it out by removing the cup holder in the central console and tighening up the nut on the cable underneath, failing that, you may need to replace the rear pads as they could be worn, check out the guide below (stolen from the FTOOC, original post here)

1, Undo the adjuster nut underneath the cup holder so its almost removed.
2, Once the pads have been changed, you turn the pistons on the calliper back in to allow for the extra width of pad. But, and this is the bit I hadn't realised, there is a nipple on the pad, that has to loacte in the piston when you swing the calliper back into place. So got to make sure the piston is lined up properly.
3, Make sure the handbrake cable return springs on the callipers go all the way back to the stops. reattach the cable, clip it into position.
4, Once you've done the above on both sides, bleed the brake fluid off a little as turning the pistons can sometimes introduce air bubbles into the system.
5, Put the wheel back on. Pump the brake pedal and make sure the brakes are working and releasing as they should. Once they are its time to reset the handbrake.
6, Put the handbrake on '1 click', then tighten up the adjuster until the brakes just start to bite the wheel. At this point, releasing the handbrake should free the wheels completely, and pulling to 4 clicks should be handbrake full on.

Again, don't mess with your brakes unless your confident you know what you're doing.

CJ

[DECKO]

Cheers CJ
nephew is a mechanic in merc
we took off the cup holder and had a look
where the single cable splits into two
kind of like a tee (its at an angle)
so i think its either stretched or as you said
the pads are gone and need changing
i will say it to the experience one
cheers
Deck