handbrake not staying up

blackers10 · 06-05-2005, 01:49 AM

hey all

i have had my 99 au fairlane ghia for 3 weeks or so now..
it has 78k kays on the clock.. and its running nicley..

but i released the handbrake the other day as i always do (just pushed the button in.. lifted it slightly and let it down) and it made a funy noise.. and now it wont ratchet UP.. it just falls back down.. the handBRAKE still works(stops the rear wheels)

i could hear the ratchet noise as tho it was just not clicking in.. but now NO NOISE..

i took off the handbrake boot and everything appears to be fine.. only thing i can think of is the lil prong that sticks into the ratchet parts has sheered off??

any ideas fellas?
cheers

str02 · 11-06-2006, 09:55 PM

Same problem here and i have removed hand brake mechanism, seems just wear and tear on the prong as blackers has said. ?New one

AWD Chaser · 11-06-2006, 11:17 PM

too many handbrake corners? :P Best to pick up a whole new assembly from a wreckers...

XR6-VCT-2000 · 12-06-2006, 12:11 AM

Bummer , but that has probably occured from the previous owner not pressing the button in on the handbrake when they apply it ! , .. No offence to women here , but women are classics for just ripping the handbrake on ..click/click/click/click/click , wear that ratchet out in no time ! .

JC · 12-06-2006, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6-VCT-2000

Bummer , but that has probably occured from the previous owner not pressing the button in on the handbrake when they apply it ! , .. No offence to women here , but women are classics for just ripping the handbrake on ..click/click/click/click/click , wear that ratchet out in no time ! .

That's why it's a one way ratchet. It's designed to be pulled up without prewssing the button in. You only need the button to release it. Believe it or not, most parts on a car suffer wear and tear, even when used in the correct way (such as pulling the handbrake up, no button).

XR6-VCT-2000 · 12-06-2006, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

That's why it's a one way ratchet. It's designed to be pulled up without prewssing the button in. You only need the button to release it. Believe it or not, most parts on a car suffer wear and tear, even when used in the correct way (such as pulling the handbrake up, no button).

True , but it does last longer pushing the button in before you lift it , then when it reaches its limit release the button , i mainly just do it cos' i hate that ratchet sound .. but i've never had a handbrake ratchet wear out on me ..lol ;)

DOC · 12-06-2006, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackers10

lifted it slightly and let it down) and it made a funy noise.. and now it wont ratchet UP.. it just falls back down..

I would'nt worry to much as it must be common problem, my wife told me the other day she has similar issues with her handbrake.

str02 · 12-06-2006, 10:20 AM

So, next to check prices new and used. PIA to get out, damn front seat has to come out in my AU, and the mechanism is welded and riveted together so no chance to repair, anyone need a pic, I will post

blackers10 · 12-06-2006, 06:48 PM

this problem got rectified ages ago with warranty

was worth $150 i think.. from ford(cant remember or was $250)
that was for THEM to fix it due to it being under warranty

they replaced the entire mechanism

str02 · 13-06-2006, 09:52 AM

$130 replacement new today, so I guess not too bad!!

str02 · 13-06-2006, 08:18 PM

So for the $130 you get new mechanism, front cable and vinyl cover, means having to climb under the car to connect new cable. Some improvements evident, tab to hold cable not tape, metal tang for ratchet not plastic. 1 hour and 2 stubbies, handbrake functional again