Handbrake bad design?

hogweed · 12th February 2018, 22:00

My discs and pads were all paper thin, so I got the lot replaced. The handbrake had always been ineffective, so I got new shoes fitted too – backplates etc all pronounced good by the mechanic, who is a Rover specialist, and knows these cars inside out. Saint Arctic also fitted one of the better compensators some time ago, so that’s OK too.

The brake lever now has a travel of maybe 3 notches, a LOT less than before – but the handbrake is still {naughty word}. I was thinking about this, then suddenly remembered that my last two cars (E36 M3’s) had exactly the same problem – I’d forgotten, as I’ve had the Rover7-8 years now.

Are my suspicions correct, that the handbrake design is essentially similar on both cars, and also essentially cr*p?

12th February 2018, 22:00	#1
hogweed I really should get out more....... Vauxhall Insignia CDTi; MG TF 135 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Norn Iron Posts: 2,958 Thanks: 942 Thanked 378 Times in 297 Posts	Handbrake bad design? My discs and pads were all paper thin, so I got the lot replaced. The handbrake had always been ineffective, so I got new shoes fitted too – backplates etc all pronounced good by the mechanic, who is a Rover specialist, and knows these cars inside out. Saint Arctic also fitted one of the better compensators some time ago, so that’s OK too. The brake lever now has a travel of maybe 3 notches, a LOT less than before – but the handbrake is still {naughty word}. I was thinking about this, then suddenly remembered that my last two cars (E36 M3’s) had exactly the same problem – I’d forgotten, as I’ve had the Rover7-8 years now. Are my suspicions correct, that the handbrake design is essentially similar on both cars, and also essentially cr*p? __________________ Past cars: MGB GT; Escort 1300 Sport; Vauxhall VX4/90; Marina Coupe TC; Celica ST (1972); Montego Turbo; Astra GTE 16V; Astra GSI 16V; Golf GTI 16V (Mk II); Sierra XR4x4 Estate; BMW 325i (E30); BMW M3 3.0; BMW M3 3.2 Evo. Left some of the more embarrassing ones out. And about 30 motorbikes.