Im in a quandry....
Im looking to solve the frankly shocking handbrake situation of my Cinq (it is frankly diabolical and has always been like that) by altering the handbrake lever so it drives a master cylinder that works two slave cylinders on the rear axle.
I cant get a straight answer from VOSA as IMO they dont appear to understand the problem. I emailed them and got the following back:
"With regards to the fitment of an hydraulic handbrake system to your
vehicle, under Construction & Use, a parking brake must be capable of being
operated using a control which is independent of the service brake and
capable once applied of being maintained in the *on* position solely by a
mechanical means. To this extent, an hydraulic handbrake is deemed
unacceptable for use as such. However, they may be used to assist the
application or release of a mechanical brake."
Hang on a second....isnt the thing that holds the mechanical handbrake 'on' the ratchet? So if I modified the handbrake lever but retained the ratchet it would be OK, yes??
Apparently not. According to MOT regulations, for post 1968 cars...the handbrake may be failed "if the parking brake is not capable of being maintained in operation by direct mechanical action only. "
How is a hydraulic system any different to a cable and pivot arm? Its still a direct mechanical action regardless and its still held on by a ratchet!
Your input would be appreciated, especially that from authorised MOT testers...
Im looking to solve the frankly shocking handbrake situation of my Cinq (it is frankly diabolical and has always been like that) by altering the handbrake lever so it drives a master cylinder that works two slave cylinders on the rear axle.
I cant get a straight answer from VOSA as IMO they dont appear to understand the problem. I emailed them and got the following back:
"With regards to the fitment of an hydraulic handbrake system to your
vehicle, under Construction & Use, a parking brake must be capable of being
operated using a control which is independent of the service brake and
capable once applied of being maintained in the *on* position solely by a
mechanical means. To this extent, an hydraulic handbrake is deemed
unacceptable for use as such. However, they may be used to assist the
application or release of a mechanical brake."
Hang on a second....isnt the thing that holds the mechanical handbrake 'on' the ratchet? So if I modified the handbrake lever but retained the ratchet it would be OK, yes??
Apparently not. According to MOT regulations, for post 1968 cars...the handbrake may be failed "if the parking brake is not capable of being maintained in operation by direct mechanical action only. "
How is a hydraulic system any different to a cable and pivot arm? Its still a direct mechanical action regardless and its still held on by a ratchet!
Your input would be appreciated, especially that from authorised MOT testers...