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E-brake Question

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rlandrum

rlandrum

Jedi Trainee
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I got the transmission and drive shaft out last night. I then started in on the fuel lines and brakes. I went to remove the emergency brake setup, but before I did, I wanted to understand how it all went together.

I have three handles. Two are missing the ratchet piece that slides up unto the handle, and the third has the ratchet piece is extremely poor condition (the whole thing is ugly, in fact). Does anyone have a spare ratchet in good condition?

It appears the cable was incorrectly connected to the mount on the frame, I assume to keep it from dragging on the ground. This, I believe, is what has confused me so far. If I'm not mistaken, the handle bolts to the frame mount, the cable connects to the handle, and the ratchet mechanism connects to the hole at the rear of the frame mount, where the cable is currently connected. Does this sound right?
 
Again, apologies if you already know this, but the brake functions "backward" from our e-brakes - push to set rather than release.
 
I suspected that, but hadn't confirmed it...

Am I to understand then that inside the drum brakes there some sort of positive clamping system, so that when the cable is slack, the brakes are engaged, and when the cable is taut, the brakes are released?

If that's the case, the my brakes are shot. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif
 
That doesn't sound right to me. As the cable pulls taut, it pulls on a lever that in turn pushes one shoe toward the drum. As that happens, leverage is also put on the wheel cylinder, which slides and, in sliding, pushes the other shoe toward the drum. So the cable would be (relatively) taut as the emergency brakes are engaged.
 
Ah... "Backwards" as in push the button to engage the ratcheting mechanism... Now I understand. And that makes sense too.
 
That's right (though I think everyone else got it backwards).

I think it is sometimes call a 'fly-off' mechanism and always called a 'handbrake' which is a clue to how this feature can be very useful.
 
That's exactly right. Due to the fact the the handbrake doesn't lock in when you just pull it back, it can be used just like a foot brake. It's great in those lightly snow covered parking lots. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif
 
Do you need the ratchet for your car, or your dad's? /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

TR4NUT picked up some free old TR3 parts fron an x-triumph club member and gave them to me. It happened to include a ratchet on an otherwise shabby looking e-brake. The ratchet is a little bent up.

After reading your post, I looked at the one that came on my car, and knew it was jammed and the button refused to budge. To make a long story short, I didn't get it apart the entire way but it appears the ratchet is no worse than the 'spare'. You are welcome to it. Send me a PM with a mailing address and I'll drop it in the mail. I'm sure a few whacks with the proper hammer will straighten it right out.

Jer

PS I noticed in your other thread that the inside of the fender (in front of the door) is painted. Mine was bare/rusted, and I think they came that way from the factory(minus the rust). Did you paint there, or was it already painted?
 
A new ratchet from moss is RATCHET P.N. 582-710 $29.95
 
It all a plot guys. You can see where this is headed. Dutiful son helps Dad restore car with dinged up brake parts. Urges Dad to get out on the road and really "ring 'er out!". Son inherits poor Dads estate....

Just kidding, of course. He knows darn well I never use the brakes. Besides, I still owe too much on the mortgage :smile:

But perhaps I'll let him take it for a spin first. Just in case.

And just for the record, Texas, I'm sure that part is fine :smile:
 
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