General Handbrake removal

[Capt T]

My petrol p reg el has developed handbrake problems.No ratchet action although it does apply the brakes. Having checked the archives it looks like I have to replace it ( Unless anyone can suggest differentally) . To save me needless work can anyone describe how to do this? Having removed the cover it would appear I have to remove the adjacent pillar trim containing part of the seat belt to gain access to the centre pivot bolt of the lever. Is that right? How is that trim held on..hidden clips?

Any info gratefully

 

[Pat H]

I thought the whole handbrake bolted to the floor. but could be wrong. And yes ours "wore out" after just 3 years. Not very impressive!

 

[chr1s]

I had to replace mine - for exactly the same symptoms - and even after I had taken it off I could see no way to repair the old handbrake.
I didn't fancy taking the pillar trim off, so I managed to access what I needed by cutting a small bit off some trim. Unfortunately I can't remember exactly which bit. I'll see if I can take a photo tomorrow, but I'm not sure it's visible after everything was reassembled.

 

[Pat H]

Our Handbrake had to be replaced just outside the 3 year warrenty. It's an unrepairable item as it's all pressed together when made. Fiat claimed it wasn't a poor design and therefore our cost as no others had failed. Very rare for cars to wear out handbrreak ratchets.
Very interesting to hear otehrs have had the same issue. Seems the design isn't as good as Fiat claimed.
Beware all you Fiat drivers make sure you don't let the ratchet click when pulling the handbrake on!

 

[Capt T]

I'll see if I can take a photo tomorrow, but I'm not sure it's visible after everything was reassembled.

That would be great if you could. I suppose not much point n buying a second hand one probably have the same problem

Thanks for all your replies

 

[chr1s]

With the cover on, the cut out is hidden.

With the cover removed, you can see the small ragged cut-out. I figured this was easier than removing and re-fitting the seatbelt / pillar cover.







Bonus points for spotting the 50p in amongst the dirt. It has now been retrieved

And now I know where the switch came from, that has been kicking around my boot for ages. I couldn't bring myself to throw it out when I didn't know where it had come from, but now I realise it's the handbrake switch from the old broken handbrake.

 

[Capt T]

Thanks for pics..bit puzzled as to what the bit is sticking out from socket. I used a 8m allen key on mine which as you say cannot line up with the socket cos of the trim.What is that in the socket and how is it turned?
Took me 30 mins to get trim off and about 3 hours to put back!

However I did repair the lever! When on the bench if you remove the rubber stop and put the lever down you will find the offending spring is visable from the rear.Drill a hole in one side of the pressing and the springs fulcrum pin can be removed thus releasing the spring.I converted another spring and reassembled. Once the stop is back the hole never lines up with pin so all should stay in place. The broken spring is a bit like a clothes peg spring with fewer turns.One arm had just snapped..faulty manufacture..badly tempered I guess. Hope the new one holds out!