Technical Improve Handbrake Efficiency on GP Sporting

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Technical Improve Handbrake Efficiency on GP Sporting

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Sep 9, 2008
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Ashford, Kent
My GP Sporting has just failed with 14% efficiency on the handbrake. It needs to be 16% for a pass. Any tips for improving it?
What is the maximum you can get it to on this car? I have never had a car with rear discs so I have no experience of how much braking you get on these cars when you really yank the handbrake on!
All my experience of Fiats going back to the mid 80s is that the handbrake was pretty poor anyway, so I had thought the discs would be more powerful.
 
My GP Sporting has just failed with 14% efficiency on the handbrake. It needs to be 16% for a pass. Any tips for improving it?
What is the maximum you can get it to on this car? I have never had a car with rear discs so I have no experience of how much braking you get on these cars when you really yank the handbrake on!
All my experience of Fiats going back to the mid 80s is that the handbrake was pretty poor anyway, so I had thought the discs would be more powerful.

what were the figures for rear service brakes..??
if they were low..there is your problem.
 
No idea. They just said 14% for the handbrake. The car has been on the driveway SORNed for ten months. On the way to the test centre I did as much breaking as I could to get the discs clean(ish!).
 
No idea. They just said 14% for the handbrake. The car has been on the driveway SORNed for ten months. On the way to the test centre I did as much breaking as I could to get the discs clean(ish!).

Failed what..??:confused:

if it's an MOT test - you'd get a failure sheet:eek:

the same rear brakes ( discs and pads) are doing both the service and handbrake roles.., if the hydraulically operated service brake is POOR, then the cable-operated handbrake will be lousy..
sounds like an attempt to get workshop time from you(n)

Charlie
 
I got the sheet entitled "Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate"
On it all it says in the section where it lists the reason is...
001 Parking brake: efficiency below requirements [3.7.B.7]

I asked what the figure was and that's how I know it was 14% - they didn't tell me first. Without my asking I wouldn't have had a clue as to a) what percentage I got and b) what percentage is needed.
 
For your info, mine was 20% (old discs with more than 60k miles - I know I have to replace them soon)
 
Should be a second sheet with detailed brake efficiency info. Try and get that from them.

If the rear brakes are poor when using the footbrake then time for new pads/discs.

If it's just the handbrake that's the issue then either:

1. Adjust the cable tension: lift up the plastic section behind the handbrake inside the car. You'll see a long 10mm nut, tighten that with rear wheels jacked up and check the rear wheels still spin freely with the handbrake off.

2. Replace the handbrake cables. Simple but fiddly job unless you have access to a lift. Cables are £20 each.

3. Take off rear wheels and check the arm which is pulled by the handbrake moves fairly easily. If it is seized try working it free using wd40 or similar. If it won't free up after a while then you'll need to replace the caliper.
 
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