Handbrake

Omathisen · #1 (**permalink**) 03-07-2009, 02:31 PM

Hi,
I have always had issues with the handbrake. Over the past 10 years, I had it adjusted (so it worked for about one day each time) by two shops that specialize in building Cobras. Once I took the car to a vintage race shop and was basically told the handbrake is no good. On my recentmost visit to a Cobra-builder, we never got around to it, as the entire rear end has to come out, he said. Only problem is that the state inspection requires a working handbrake.
I am not a mechanic but try to do what I can.
Anybody else having a problem or solutions they can share?
My car is 425 SC III and was built in '95. It was professionally built and I am the second owner since '98.
Thanks.
OMathisen

CHANMADD · #2 (**permalink**) 03-07-2009, 03:27 PM

So do you have the Jag rear?? They are a pain in the a$$ but they can be made to work....I am saying work ,you probably are not going to be able to do handbrake spins but mine holds on any hill, but I do always leave it in gear to be sure!

john

strictlypersonl · #3 (**permalink**) 03-07-2009, 03:46 PM

When everything is functioning as designed, the handbrake works well. Unfortunately, the mechanism within the levers on the calipers is quite complicated and you must remove the whole e.b. mechanism to clean and rebuild them. If you feel ambitious, I've got some more detailed instructions that I can put together.

patrickt · #4 (**permalink**) 03-07-2009, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

If you feel ambitious, I've got some more detailed instructions that I can put together.

It's a little pricey, but swapping in the outboard-braked ERA rear would cure the problem. Rebuilding the Jag EB sounds like a nightmare.

ZOERA-SC7XX · #5 (**permalink**) 03-07-2009, 05:32 PM

Rebuilding the hand brake system on the Jag rear is quite easy, just a pain to access it. It's much cheaper than changing out the rear.

patrickt · #6 (**permalink**) 03-07-2009, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZOERA-SC7XX

It's much cheaper than changing out the rear.

Only by a few grand.

And you will have cured the inboard-brake problem as well.

CHANMADD · #7 (**permalink**) 03-07-2009, 06:09 PM

I personally like the l;ook of the inboard discs and have never had a problem. I have replaced pads and rotors over the years and the Handbrake like said is really very easy to take apart and adjust like new.A lot cheaper and less hassle than a new rear.

john

patrickt · #8 (**permalink**) 03-07-2009, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHANMADD

A lot cheaper and less hassle than a new rear.

But John, the outboard rear lets you adjust the toe & camber -- surely that's worth the extra five grand, isn't it?

ERA Chas · #9 (**permalink**) 03-07-2009, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZOERA-SC7XX

Rebuilding the hand brake system on the Jag rear is quite easy, just a pain to access it. It's much cheaper than changing out the rear.

AMEN X2
Amazing how many wives tales fly around this place... handbrakes are a nightmare, inboard brakes are crap (especially when the superior solution is $5K), 427's are nose heavy... amazing BS.

H'brakes are not at all difficult, just require patience to work in a cramped place and to adjust the clevises correctly. Omath, your ebrake may in fact need new parts and your past experiences unfortunate but your "Cobra builder" is setting you up for shop hours at whatever his rate is to pull the rear. I have done it alone, on jackstands in 1 hour. Plus he's lying (or he just doesn't know) if he's saying that removal's the only way to fix the ebrake. I have rebuilt the ebrake mechanism in the car and adjusted it without trauma. Seek another 'expert' or take it back to ERA. -OR-take Bob's advice, I worked from the same diagram he's showing you.

Inboard discs with the right pads can handle track work, especially when they're ventilated.

The average ERA iron block SO is 48% / 52% and better with the driver in place. With Hoosiers or G'years it can skid pad at 1.0G and can transient with the throttle.

patrickt · #10 (**permalink**) 03-07-2009, 07:58 PM

Uhhh, you'll also shave 50 lbs. with the outboard rear.

ERA Chas · #11 (**permalink**) 03-07-2009, 08:09 PM

But you gain it back with a second rollbar...

patrickt · #12 (**permalink**) 03-07-2009, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

But you gain it back with a second rollbar...

Well I know when I'm licked. And I lose an hour's sleep tonight as well.

Omathisen · #13 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009, 08:22 AM

Thanks for the input.
I will start with new parts and the instructions and if there are more detailed instructions available, I would appreciate that too. And will start looking for someone to help me to do this.
If all else fails, I will drive up to ERA and beg for an hour of their time. . .
The shops I referred to above are "big" names so I guess I trusted them.
The first guy who actually did adjust the brake was Ted Burtis of Contemporary Cobras. His shop was only a few minutes away before it closed.
OMathisen

patrickt · #14 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omathisen

I will start with new parts and the instructions ... If all else fails, I will drive up to ERA and beg for an hour of their time. . .

O -- speaking as someone who has occassionally destroyed something by taking it apart with the intent of rebuilding it, you could look at this situation as a golden opportunity. While you're up there at ERA, and Doug is looking at your car and asking "Did you do this?!?" Just answer "No, it's always been like that and I've never liked it. Why don't we just upgrade me to that beautiful outboard braked rear that Patrickt raves about on Club Cobra." Everyone will be happy then and you can just post a message that the original mechanism was broken beyond repair.

CHANMADD · #15 (**permalink**) 04-01-2009, 01:28 AM

Patrickt....You should get a Medal for persistance!! You really like those outboards huh!
By the way you can adjust camber and toe with the inboards,it just requires a bit of patience.
John

patrickt · #16 (**permalink**) 04-01-2009, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHANMADD

Patrickt....You should get a Medal for persistance!!

In life, people tend to give up. Those who persist, prevail.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHANMADD

By the way you can adjust camber and toe with the inboards,it just requires a bit of patience.

Camber shims don't count.

And I don't know how you even adjust toe on the Jag rear. I don't think you can. But if you can, I bet it's a huge, laborious PITA.

Jim Holden · #17 (**permalink**) 04-01-2009, 02:01 PM

Omathisen:

I've got my ERAFIA and cousin Jonathan's ERA759 (I think that's his number) in the shed out behind the big house here in Westchester. When the good folks on the local road crews get the salt taken up, swing on by and we'll sit and look at ERA's handiwork...

Jim

Omathisen · #18 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009, 05:31 PM

Sounds good. Will do.