Handbrake Cable

[steve.n]

Anyone got any tips on replacing the handbrake cable, ie can it be done without removing the exhaust or propshaft?
Steve

[richardthestag]

access is horrifically limited. why are you replacing it?

[steve.n]

I am close to the limit on adjustment, still gets hold but the handle is a long way up.

[richardthestag]

I think when I did it I removed the handbrake handle from inside the car and then with helping hands underneath the car was able to route the cable around the end of the handbrake and down and through the rear subframe.

I recall it involving a number of attempts and some considerable swearing.

what I can't recall is whether the exhaust silencers were still in place

[steve.n]

Doesn't look too promising under there, thought about tying a knot in it but the mot inspector may not be impressed!

[richardthestag]

sure they will have seen worse.

might be worth resetting everything in and around the handbrake mechanism in the drum. just in case one of the adjusters hasnt worked properly

disconnect cable from one drum,
remove drum wind adjuster right in. replace drum, stand on brakes to hear the nice zzzzzzzip as the adjuster does its thang.
repeat on other side
then try adjusting handbrake again

[steve.n]

All adjustments done ok, still holds ok just long travel. Don't remember changing it in 30 years so as long as it gets no worse I will put up with it.

[mole42]

I have a new cable on the shelf waiting until I take the exhaust off again.

[rwdstag]

Exhaust and prop if you want to stay sane
its a pig of a jod until you remove them then once out of the way a doddle
Rich

[tjk]

Hi, Easy job disconnect the old cable at the wheels and take off the connectors and adjusting nuts. pull the old cable out of the holes in the cross members. tie new cable to old cable and pull it around untill new cable in place. Did mine in half an hour.

[steve.n]

I thought the cable ends were permanently attached to the cable?

[DJT]

I thought the cable ends were permanently attached to the cable?

Not the bits which attach to the lever arms. In 29 years, I’ve only replaced one handbrake cable, when my first Stag failed its MOT due to fraying wires about 20 years ago. I changed it in less than an hour without dropping any exhaust pipes or the propshaft.

[steve.n]

Thanks for that folks, I will look into it.
Steve

[Trev50394]

I replaced mine a few weeks ago . Fairly simple job once the handbrake is removed from inside the car

[gbb483]

I've just done mine. I went around the houses a bit until I realised that you can't tie anything to the old or new cable and expect it to go through any of the guides. There just isn't enough space. So in the end I pulled the old cable through each guide in turn, manually sliding the new one through after it. Access to the compensator was easy once I jacked up the front of the car and realised I could get adequate access in front of the 2 silencer boxes (exhaust and prop shaft left in situ).