Dales944

Hello. The handle on my parking brake won't stay up. It clicks and I can feel the teeth meshing, but the teeth won't hold. It's as if I push the button (but, of course, the button isn't pushed).

Is there something I can tighten up? I've removed the seat to get a better look at it. There's not too much tension on the cable - the spring looks fully relaxed when the handle is down.

Any ideas???

TIA!

Porsche-O-Phile

Viagra.

KuHL 951

Try turning the release button back in until it stops, it's threaded and won't catch if it backs off too far. I never even knew it until I had a similar problem. If you let the parking brake shoes get too far out you can actually pull your handle 'too' far and it will lock in the up position. That's fun also!

Renn 951

Following Jeff's train of thought, "...if your handle stays locked in the up position for more than four hours, call your doctor (mechanic?) immediately!"

KuHL 951

Both of you guys need a Woman in the worst way!

Dales944

KuHL, thanks for the helpful info - I'll try tightening the release button tomorrow. I've had enough of it for tonight!

As far as the "other" issue goes - I've got a wife and three kids to prove there's nothing awry...

Granite 944

Your killing me! "Viagra" was my first suggestion also!

Suggestion. Its an early car. Buy yourself a later (post '85/2) parking brake handle, AND the switch bracket in the color of your choice. Ebay. I've replaced all of my earlies with later handles. A great update, a much stouter/better handle. A little shot of spray grease, or Triflow around the button are will do wonders. When was the last time you've checked/adjusted the parking brake? Might be time? Good luck!

SoCal Driver

The pawl will flip around when the parking brakes are out of adjustment and the handle is pulled all the way up to where it stops.

You have to pull the handle all the way up, push and hold the button in, reach under the handle were the pawl is with a small screw driver, flip the pawl to where the rounded end re-engages the round bend in the wire from the button, move the handle down then release the button.

As tricky as it sounds the first few times but a breeze after that. Typical problem with the same parking brake handle on the early VW's. Just easier to get to.

KuHL 951

Happened to me also, my son was at school with the car. What's even better is you adjust your parking brakes correctly to the right clicks and it's good for years without any problems.

Dales944

Thanks guys. I adjusted the brake about a year ago and all "seemed" to be working well. I'll check the pawl.

njwilser

On my 85/1, the tooth on the pawl was worn and not engaging. A little dental work w/ a grinder sharpened it up and now it clicks and holds.
MW

Dales944

OK, I've taken a better look. I tightened the button 1/4 turn, no help. I checked my pawl action against the round bend in the wire and it is properly seated. I believe my problem is the same as njwilser's. The tooth on my pawl is rounded on 90% of the edge (it seems the other 10% was slightly offset and not engaging).

So - how do I commence dental work on the tooth? The diagram looks like a circlip is holding the pawl in, but it appears more like a permanent fixture on mine. Can I remove the two 1/2" bolts and disconnect the cable to remove the entire handle? Will that allow me sufficient access to grind the tooth?

Once again, thanks for any advice.

Dale.

Chris_924s

My first smart- *** remark was already taken.

Is there slack in the cable?

SoCal Driver

I would suggest finding a newer handle assembly and replacing what you have. You have to take the drivers seat out then back off the cable adjustment before you can unbolt and remove the assembly.

__________________
83 944 = It's NOT a 'real' Porsche -- Its Better!!!!
When was the last time you changed your timing and balance belts
and/or cam chain and tensioner?

The 83

Dales944

Dang, I feel stupid. A flashlight works wonders - indeed the pawl is held on by a circlip! I've removed said item, and am fixing to replace or grind it.

Chris - you're getting slow with the jokes - old age must be setting in!

SoCal - thanks for your help. The seat is already pulled. I knew I could get a better look at it after pulling the seat/carpet. Your pic helped a great deal.

Thanks again,

Dale.