What is handbrake cable? What are the signs of a parking brake cable problem? How can you tell if your parking brake is failing?
The emergency brake (also known as the parking brake) is secondary braking system that stops your vehicle from moving when it is parked. Most vehicles either have a parking brake, or a service brake depending on their vehicle applications. This is important if you need to park your car safely, or if your primary brakes stop working while driving.
Handbrake wire is usually made from steel braided. Some of the wire has a PVC protective sheath. The wire connects the handbrake lever, or pedal, to the rear brakes of vehicles equipped with a mechanical handbrake. The driver can activate the parking brake by pulling a lever between the front seats, or pressing a pedal known as the service brake. This tensions the wire, and the brakes are activated by pressing on the brake pads at the rear against the drum or against the discs.
It is essential that your handbrake assembly works properly. Applying the handbrake to your car when you park it on slopes will give it a better grip and help prevent it from sliding.
What are the Signs of Handbrake Wire Problem?
Rust is the enemy of the handbrake cable. Cables can rust and shrink under the vehicle. The PVC sheath can be damaged and water can get into the cable, leading to it rusting and seizing. If the vehicle is not being used for a prolonged time, corrosion accelerates, causing the wire to become jammed, making it harder to operate the brakes. It may be possible to lubricate the wire and release it if it isn’t damaged. The wire can also break from extreme cold or frost. It is best to wait for the vehicle to warm up in cold weather before disconnecting the parking brake. When you pull the lever gently or press the pedal, the parking brake should be engaged. The number of clicks or steps required to pull the lever is typically between 5-7.
- Parking brake failure to engage or disengage is the most common sign of a damaged parking brake wire. The brake system may be further damaged if the parking brake is not applied. The parking brake can warp the drums, discs, and cause cracks in the pads. Your parked vehicle could skid on the slopes if the parking brake cable is loose.
- Handbrake faults can cause jamming in your car. The malfunction could be due to a problem with the brake drum or the parking brake cable. Low speeds may cause a rubbing sound or squeaking sound at the rear wheels.
- – The rear brake pads apply pressure to drums or discs when the handbrake pedal is applied. Your handbrake system should be checked if only one wheel is engaged.
- Parking brake jamming and not disengaging will cause the brake fault light to turn on at the instrument panel.
- If it feels too loose when pulling the lever or pressing the pedal, this means that the handbrake cables is loose and must be adjusted.
