Parking brake won't stay up?
#1
Burning Brakes
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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!
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!
#3
Hey Man
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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!
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Originally Posted by KuHL 951
you can actually pull your handle 'too' far and it will lock in the up position. That's fun also!
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#5
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Originally Posted by 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!"
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#6
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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...
As far as the "other" issue goes - I've got a wife and three kids to prove there's nothing awry...
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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!
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!
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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.
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.
#9
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Originally Posted by 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.
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.
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#12
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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.
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.
#13
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Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile
Viagra.
Is there slack in the cable?
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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.
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#15
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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.
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.