944 Handbrake - top tip

[craiginuk]

I took my '87 Turbo along to Tonbridge porsche dealership for the Coupe health check day they had recently (8th October)

As I had MOT coming up, it was a good chance to have a look under the car for any nasties lurking. All looks good and solid. Seems to have been protected well over the years so no rust. I did find a few spots with surface rust but was able to give them a good coating of underseal for the winter once I knew where they were.

One of the advisories the previous owner had was "handbrake just passed effort test" or something similar. I mentioned this to the porsche guy and it was a case of "they all do that sir". A tip he gave me was to drive fairly slowly and pull the handbrake up gently. Not handrake turn stuff but just to clean the shoes and help them bed in a bit. I did this and can't believe the change. Holds the car so much better on an incline now. I guess it makes sense as under normal operation the drums aren't actually ever rotating when you pull the handbrake up.

Would be interested to hear others views on this. It definitely worked for me. Flew through MOT and when I asked the guy afterwards how the handbrake did, he said no problems - was decent effort and nothing to report.

 

[Lowtimer]

I've always done that periodically, on cars with proper hand brakes, and yes, it does work. It is even in the handbook for my BMW. Do it at low speed, keep it gentle and don't build up excessive heat.

Someone once told me you should never try it with a Range Rover. Apparently they don't have handbrakes, but rather some arrangement that clamps the propshaft.

 

[Frenchy]

Landrober TD5 is the same some sort of breaking mecanism around the rear prop.
Will try the handbrake thing with my 944's

 

[zcacogp]

Top tip - thanks.

Mine has always passed the handbrake effort part of the MOT, although I know the figures have been 'massaged' for the last three years ... I'll try this and see whether the figures are better next year!


Oli.

 

[craiginuk]

Glad I could finally put something of use up on here! And thanks Oli for your tip a few months back over on pistonheads which was to consider a 944. Best thing I ever did!

 

[jmelhuish]

Thanks for the tip. I will have ago this weekend.

 

[geoffbateman]

Correct, never do that on a land rover as they us a transmission brake not a wheel brake.

 

[zcacogp]

ORIGINAL: craiginuk
And thanks Oli for your tip a few months back over on pistonheads which was to consider a 944. Best thing I ever did!

Me? Did I really?

I think you are confusing me with someone who actually cares ... []

(Glad you bought one tho'!)


Oli.

 

[JamesBall]

So I bought that set of handbrake shoes unnecessarily. Damn

Its great to see you are improving the car, Craig. And good news on the MOT. I hope you have a nice, cheap year ahead of you now.

 

[craiginuk]

Cheers James, slowly trying to sort a few bits and pieces. Am sure I'll fit the shoes at some point but looking in history they were done not tooo many miles ago.

You won't believe it but car is back in with a leaking steering rack. The recon unit has started leaking so glad I did not tackle the job myself

 

[JamesBall]

What a pain. The rack the previous rack was a refurb too. Perhaps it is difficult to referb racks properly? I hope it is fixed for you quickly.