Handbrake Compensator - Centre console

T16 · 22nd January 2018, 02:42

My handbrake naturally requires sorting, even on a steep drive at a family members house 1st gear is not enough to keep the car from moving down the drive.

Question is, if I have the centre console out, how much easier does that make the job from above? Carpet still has to come up, or with the whole console out is that all that is required for access?

Finally, I forget who does the stainless ones now, is it still Arctic or....?

Sorry for all the questions, my memory is terrible and when I did the job before it was from underneath!

steve-45 · 22nd January 2018, 03:25

Yes, Arctic is the man for stainless compensators.

Heddy · 22nd January 2018, 06:03

It is easier with the console out but doable by just lifting it. Certainly much easier when removed if you're going to fit the 'Mini' version compensator (recommended)

T16 · 22nd January 2018, 11:50

Im taking the console out anyway... so Im wondering how much easier does that make the job if the whole things out?

Still need to cut/raise carpets? Or is there enough clearance that its all good with the whole thing out the car?

Arctic · 22nd January 2018, 11:51

HI Ross.
Yes by far easier if the console is out of the car for a Mini R53 to be fitted as the whole cable and compensator as to be replaced.

If the console is still in place then do it from the rear as in the link below fore the SSC compensator.
https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...&postcount=102

Link for the Mini R53
https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...=257477&page=3

jordimussol · 22nd January 2018, 12:01

I recently adjusted mine, was a pig to do with the console in. I just used a long reach 13mm ratchet.

I also ended up taking rear wheels off and adjusting the drum brakes. I also discovered that these cars have rear disc and drums.

The handbrake is still a bit loose, but right at the top much better. Hope it'll pass MOT in two months.

T16 · 22nd January 2018, 12:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arctic

HI Ross.
Yes by far easier if the console is out of the car for a Mini R53 to be fitted as the whole cable and compensator as to be replaced.

If the console is still in place then do it from the rear as in the link below fore the SSC compensator.
https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...&postcount=102

Link for the Mini R53
https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...=257477&page=3

I want to order up a modded stainless one, prefer that to the mine one.

If the console is out, carpets still have to come up, or is there that much better access?

cheers.

Arctic · 22nd January 2018, 12:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by jordimussol

I recently adjusted mine, was a pig to do with the console in. I just used a long reach 13mm ratchet.

I also ended up taking rear wheels off and adjusting the drum brakes. I also discovered that these cars have rear disc and drums.

Quote:

The handbrake is still a bit loose, but right at the top much better. Hope it'll pass MOT in two months.

Hi Danny
Your compensator will have stretched therefore you will not get it to hold perfectly until you changed it, have read the link above

Arctic · 22nd January 2018, 12:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by T16

I want to order up a modded stainless one, prefer that to the mine one.

Quote:

If the console is out, carpets still have to come up, or is there that much better access?

cheers.

If the console is out and the seats still in then yes the carpet will still need to be lifted at the rear as in the how to in the link, but the carpet will be a lot easier to lift with the console out.

Drop me a PM if you want to order one I will need your old compensator back, i modified some in the week and have a couple left.

If you prefer the Mini R53
https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...=257477&page=3

rab60bit · 22nd January 2018, 12:19

Take Arctic's advice, read the links.
IMHO go for the Mini R53 compensator if you can get hold of one - I think I paid around £10 plus postage for a brand new assembly, fitting was a bit of a pig but if you follow Arctic's 'How to' it's just like 1, 2, 3.... and it's a really worthwhile mod. The handbrake is now spot on and will only require adjustment if the brake shoes wear (or the unlikely possibility that the cable[s] stretch).

22nd January 2018, 02:42	#1
T16 I really should get out more....... ZT CDTi 135, ZT260SE Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Dundee Posts: 2,877 Thanks: 10 Thanked 331 Times in 213 Posts	Handbrake Compensator - Centre console My handbrake naturally requires sorting, even on a steep drive at a family members house 1st gear is not enough to keep the car from moving down the drive. Question is, if I have the centre console out, how much easier does that make the job from above? Carpet still has to come up, or with the whole console out is that all that is required for access? Finally, I forget who does the stainless ones now, is it still Arctic or....? Sorry for all the questions, my memory is terrible and when I did the job before it was from underneath!

22nd January 2018, 11:51	#5
Arctic Give to Learn Freelander 2 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: West Midlands Posts: 18,700 Thanks: 1,155 Thanked 6,407 Times in 3,874 Posts	HI Ross. Yes by far easier if the console is out of the car for a Mini R53 to be fitted as the whole cable and compensator as to be replaced. If the console is still in place then do it from the rear as in the link below fore the SSC compensator. https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...&postcount=102 Link for the Mini R53 https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...=257477&page=3 __________________ Arctic Givology Learn to Give Everything is Achievable ad altiora tendo. Check out our Nano meet dates http://www.midlandsnanomeets.co.uk/ http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/index.php?thepage=howto " You do the work , we supply the expertise "

22nd January 2018, 03:25	#2
steve-45 This is my second home Rover 75 Saloon CDTi Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Belvedere Posts: 4,076 Thanks: 108 Thanked 1,089 Times in 774 Posts	Yes, Arctic is the man for stainless compensators.

22nd January 2018, 06:03	#3
Heddy This is my second home None Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: None Posts: 5,556 Thanks: 465 Thanked 1,161 Times in 924 Posts	It is easier with the console out but doable by just lifting it. Certainly much easier when removed if you're going to fit the 'Mini' version compensator (recommended)

22nd January 2018, 11:50	#4
T16 I really should get out more....... ZT CDTi 135, ZT260SE Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Dundee Posts: 2,877 Thanks: 10 Thanked 331 Times in 213 Posts	Im taking the console out anyway... so Im wondering how much easier does that make the job if the whole things out? Still need to cut/raise carpets? Or is there enough clearance that its all good with the whole thing out the car?

22nd January 2018, 12:01	#6
jordimussol Avid contributor 2005 MG ZT & 1996 MGF Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Mallorca Posts: 174 Thanks: 24 Thanked 67 Times in 32 Posts	I recently adjusted mine, was a pig to do with the console in. I just used a long reach 13mm ratchet. I also ended up taking rear wheels off and adjusting the drum brakes. I also discovered that these cars have rear disc and drums. The handbrake is still a bit loose, but right at the top much better. Hope it'll pass MOT in two months.

22nd January 2018, 12:19	#10
rab60bit Posted a thing or two Rover 75 Saloon & Tourer Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Wilmslow Posts: 1,513 Thanks: 433 Thanked 301 Times in 212 Posts	Take Arctic's advice, read the links. IMHO go for the Mini R53 compensator if you can get hold of one - I think I paid around £10 plus postage for a brand new assembly, fitting was a bit of a pig but if you follow Arctic's 'How to' it's just like 1, 2, 3.... and it's a really worthwhile mod. The handbrake is now spot on and will only require adjustment if the brake shoes wear (or the unlikely possibility that the cable[s] stretch).