Bruce '89 s2

Does anybody out there have a GOOD handbrake on their 944??
Even using two hands to pull it on really hard for the maximum 5 clicks that I can get it was pathetic and didn’t satisfy the rolling-road machine.
I put it down to lack of elasticity in the cables (not enough ‘spring’ or ‘stretch’) after ¼ million miles of use on it.
Anyone who has just replaced their h/b cables like to comment on their efficiency afterwards. Did this improve matters or should I try adjusting the mechanism at the shoes?? The shoes and drums were supposedly overhauled less than 8k ago (at least they charged for doing it – whether or not they did it).
I must admit I don’t use it a lot 'cause it is so useless and prefer to park in gear but there are occasions, in traffic on a hill, when I’d prefer to have one that actually works properly.
Any input gratefully received.
Bruce

Marc Gelefsky

Bruce,

Mine was like that as well. Had it adjusted and it was much improved, maybe 3 clicks or so.

Rob in Oz

Both my old 84 NA and my current 951 have handbrakes that will snuff the engine if you attempt to drive off with the brake on. Probably the best h/b I've had on disc-braked cars. I thought all 944's would be like that.

Rob

Bruce '89 s2

OOoops, that doesn't sound too good for mine then.
Anybody else???

Dal Heger

My handbrake is good. It keeps the car stationary, and it will also stall the engine if I try to drive off with it on.

Get it adjusted properly.

Dal.

adrian_jaye

problem is, its too easy to drive off weith handbrake on,

usually it is a combination of

1> handbrake shoes worn
2> and after pulling like **** on the handle, this streatches the cable (then you have to replace it)

wjk_glynn

Hi Bruce,

The handbrake on my S2 works just fine.

Karl.

db944

Bruce,

If the shoes were replaced 8k ago and it still isn't tight then you have two options for tightening it up. First make sure the shoes are adjusted properly against the rear hub. There is a star-type dial that can be accessed with the wheels off and can be adjusted with a large screwdriver. Second, the cable can be adjusted at the back of the e-brake handle. It is easier to adjust if you remove the seat.

Try the shoe adjustment first, then resort to the cable.

MHT

if you take the rear wheels off and adjust the brake shoes the parking brake should hold just fine, assuming that the shoes and drums are in good fettle. I usually tighten the adjuster until the rotors will not turn and then back it off about 3 clicks. At this point the brake should hold on almost any slope and should be fully applied before the handle is level with the seat cusion.

MartinT

My handbrake seems to feel like it brakes the drivers side, but not the passenger side. Just feels that way when if it tries to move with the handbrake on.

I should look at it, but it ain't really broke.

Bruce '89 s2

Thank you gentlemen.
It looks as though mine is the exception. I'll get stuck in and whip the wheels off and have a go at the adjustment - the handle end seems OK.
Pleased, really, to hear that not all 944's have crap h/brakes as it means it IS at least fixable - just hope the cables aren't too stretched with no 'give' left in them.
Thanks again for the input.
I like this forum,
Bruce

Rich Sandor

Hey Bruce, my hand brake is crap too, I haven't gotten around to fixing it yet, I've got lots more important things to do, like read this forum!

Don't feel bad, you're not alone!

judd944

mine does not work either. I may try to take the cable out of my parts car

emilysgranny

Bruce ; tekamah has a set on ebay right now. Make sure your cables are not rusted in.

Bruce '89 s2

Thanks emilysgranny. but my God there are 40+ pages on the American eBay 944 site and I waded through about 30 of them without seeing any handbrake cables before I gave up.
In the UK we have ONE page devoted to our favourite car - yes just ONE - doesn't take too long to skim that every night.
Your hint about rusty & seized cables is perhaps appropriate (although I don'e think it will apply to the S2 ) I remember a 1935 315 2 seater BMW I was restoring once (I found it on a farm) where I spent an entire holiday weekend freeing off the rusty cables - much to the disgust of 2 small kids and their mother who had wanted to go to the seaside. The things we do for our hobby. THAT car would be worth a fortune now - I seem to remeber I sold it for £150 after spending about 400 hours on it - repaint, engine, upholstey, etc. etc. Before the days when classic cars were worth anything I'm afraid.