Technical Handbrake cables / change.

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Technical Handbrake cables / change.

Morty Mort

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I am planning to change my handbrake cables, as they are full of sand, salt and other hickups. They don't hold the car and they don't release completely.

Have anyone done this? If someone could point me in the right direction I will make up a guide for it afterwards. I get the idea of slacking off the handbrake tightening screw, remove wheel etc. but how hard is it to route them throught the floor? Any precautions?

I've got them from shop4parts, and one is longer than the other, so they have given me left and right. (y) Just need to remove the existing ones to see which goes where.

M.
 
Replaced mine about a year ago, I don't remember the exact process but it was simple and obvious once you look under the car.

As I remember, you need to completely remove the adjuster nut and swivel link under the carpet flap in the floor behind the centre console, then remove the front ends of the old cable from the swivel link.

The longer cable is for the left side because it takes a longer route to avoid the exhaust.

Under the car you need to remove either a metal heat shield or plastic pipe protector (can't remember which) to access one of the cables. Once loose, the rear ends of the cables just unhook from the brake calipers.

Refit the cables starting from the front but with the adjuster nut only screwed on a few threads. When the cables are fully fitted and in all the clips, with the engine running pump the brake pedal several times, then adjust the nut so that the handbrake is fully on at about 5 or 6 clicks of the handbrake lever. Check that the wheels are free to spin with the handbrake lever off and check it again when the brakes are hot.

Probably can be done from underneath the car without taking the wheels off, but I took mine off for better access.

Don't get under the car without axle stands. (probably don't need to tell you that)
 
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Don't get under the car without axle stands. (probably don't need to tell you that)

Don't even stick my head under a second unless it is supported either by axle stands or two huge logs (for chopping wood).

I have to lube up the rear brakes as I forgot to put some copper paste on the anti rattle / slide clips for the pads. Squeeks when heat expands the metal. Going to take the cables at the same time.

I will take some photos, as other members might find it useful.
 
Don't even stick my head under a second unless it is supported either by axle stands or two huge logs (for chopping wood).

I have to lube up the rear brakes as I forgot to put some copper paste on the anti rattle / slide clips for the pads. Squeeks when heat expands the metal. Going to take the cables at the same time.

I will take some photos, as other members might find it useful.

With your photos and Dav's text...we have a Guide!
 
In progress. It would be lovely to have the car lifted... Axle stands done give much room for armlength undeneath. Right side done, left side in work. The heatshield is on the left side by the way. (y)
 
It is done. I will post up a guide when I get some spare time. (y) It was a bit difficult to take pictures under there, but I'll give description at the same time.
 
Going to replace both of mine this week along with the rear pads. Sods law dictates my cables are the more expensive ones on shop4parts. Part No's 5178094 51702642 from epr using my chassis no.

Anyone else know where to get them cheaper, None on ebay, well 2 but would rather buy them as a pair from one seller. Well ok since putting a space between hand and brake i have more to choise from.
Anybody know for sure the difference between the 2 different part no's as found 2 on ebay saying that they will fit 02/2002 onwards but no metion of multiwagon on the listings either.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIAT-STIL...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3cbe4ac914

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIAT-STIL...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a6c7f9694

And whilst i am here, My pads always wear the inside ones way way more than the outside almost by half a pad on the outside.

Anyone care to comment ??

Cheers
 
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Too late I'm sure to be of any use to the OP but the uneven pad wear, I reckon, is caused by sticking rubber dampers on the caliper guide pins. I am almost tempted to remove the dampers from mine but without knowing what their purpose is, I am reluctant to do so.
 
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