MINI2

m1les · Mar 6th, 2003, 09:20 PM

I had the handbrake recall carried out some time ago. After a bit of heavy driving the other day, parked up, left the car for about 5 minutes, returned and could push the car easily with one hand.

Checked the handbrake, it was on. I could pull it up just one more notch. Dont think that last recall fully cleared the problem so be aware people.

It has not happened since.

here2help · Mar 6th, 2003, 11:40 PM

Please note that the correct adjustment of the handbrake is as follows:-

1.Pull the lever up just one notch...the handbrake light may or may not be on,the wheels should be free.
2.Then pull it up another notch,this time the handbrake warning light must be on/illuminated and there should be some braking action/binding felt if you drive the car forward.
Note:- The second notch as a further stroke/reach than the first notch...First notch 10-20mm second notch around 40-50mm...if you follow me?
3.On the third notch the wheels should be locked up/no movement on the car.
4.If you want to you can adjust it so you can get 4 notches but please note that the car should be locked up at three notches..

Also remove the end cap off the handbrake lever and check the internal diameter...The internal diameter should be greater than or equal to 16.5mm,If it is less than 16.5mm it should have been replaced whilst the lever was replaced.
Hope this helps...The end cap was found to be possibly hold the button in or should i say not comming fully out when released.
Hope this helps.

BruceK · Mar 7th, 2003, 12:28 AM

I'm sorry to hear about that - it shouldn't happen.

Please excuse this next part:

/rant mode = on/
But for the life of me I can't understand why British drivers (not meaning to pick on you in particular) don't leave their cars IN GEAR when parking. Pick first gear or reverse and use the handbrake! It's simply safer.
/rant mode = off/

Ahh... all better now.

sjbartnik · Mar 7th, 2003, 02:05 PM

It's not just British drivers -- there are plenty of American drivers who do this as well. Baffles me why anyone would leave the car without putting it in gear and also securing the handbrake. I mean if you don't want your car to roll away, seems like you should properly secure it.

Not meant to be a poke at anyone, I just have truly never understood it.

brycem · Mar 7th, 2003, 03:57 PM

does anyone have play in the actual handle on the lever? That is when you hold the lever you can move the handle back and forth in a cylindrical fashion. I have about a quarter inch of play in the handle and find it quite disconcerting but was told it was normal

rfinprc · Mar 7th, 2003, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by brycem
does anyone have play in the actual handle on the lever? That is when you hold the lever you can move the handle back and forth in a cylindrical fashion. I have about a quarter inch of play in the handle and find it quite disconcerting but was told it was normal

I have the same "play." Also curious.

m1les · Mar 7th, 2003, 04:44 PM

Thanks here2help, i'll check over the weekend.

Sorry to hear you got in a bit of a sweat BruceK, but us old school drivers were taught "Handbrake ON, Gearstick in neutral, engine OFF". If we did that we pass our test, if we didnt, we failed. I've no idea what they teach nowadays.

mickkassem · Mar 7th, 2003, 04:47 PM

My S has about an eight inch play in the handle also.

here2help · Mar 7th, 2003, 06:15 PM

Quote:

My S has about an eight inch play in the handle also.

An eight of an inch...cant be eight inch surely?

sjbartnik · Mar 7th, 2003, 06:38 PM

To clarify, that's not to say the handbrake shouldn't work properly and if there's a fault MINI should certainly fix it

Just it's always nice to have a backup.

My handbrake handle does have a very slight amount of rotational play in it but it doesn't appear to be anything abnormal other than cheapness on MINI's part nor does it appear to affect operation.

retroom · Mar 7th, 2003, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by m1les
Thanks here2help, i'll check over the weekend.

Sorry to hear you got in a bit of a sweat BruceK, but us old school drivers were taught "Handbrake ON, Gearstick in neutral, engine OFF". If we did that we pass our test, if we didnt, we failed. I've no idea what they teach nowadays.

I second that!!!

retroom

Pebble · Mar 12th, 2003, 01:42 PM

RE: play in handle. My center black bit will rotate all the way round although it is stiff. (no jokes please!)

brycem · Mar 12th, 2003, 01:53 PM

SOUNDS LIKE YOUR BLACK HANDLE IS NOT ONLY STIFF BUT BROKEN

TheBlackKnight · Mar 12th, 2003, 03:11 PM

I always thought that leaving the car in gear was something of a throwback to the days of when most American cars were automatic; the parking brakes were none too good (at least not on any of the Camaros I owned, various ages!) so you left it in gear.
Or maybe not...!!! I was always taught, though, that you leave the car in neutral when parked.

oldandquitemad · Mar 12th, 2003, 04:49 PM

I throw every anchor I've got out: hand brake, tranny in a low gear (Or PARK for auto), front wheels turned to the curb if on a slope and I'll even chock the tire if the incline is steep enough. Why take chances.

sjbartnik · Mar 12th, 2003, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TheBlackKnight
I always thought that leaving the car in gear was something of a throwback to the days of when most American cars were automatic; the parking brakes were none too good (at least not on any of the Camaros I owned, various ages!) so you left it in gear.

I don't think so, you can't really leave an automatic in gear or else it will roll away if the handbrake isn't working

Park is another story, but it's not the same as being in gear.
Besides, most American cars ARE automatic, so there is no throwback to throw back there

I don't understand why they would teach to leave a manual transmission in neutral over there. Just doesn't make sense.

jcsinnh · Mar 12th, 2003, 06:06 PM

I have a long history of frozen hand brakes (not in my MINI...yet) so I tend to use the gears more than the brake. However, if rearended while parked and in 1st or R, more trouble than if just "braked".
Just noticed yesterday that the boot of my handbrake has been punctured from within by a bolt end. What's with that? Any thoughts?
Hello, Spfld from a former res of W'field, MA

Jayden · Jun 19th, 2003, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mickkassem
My S has about an eight inch play in the handle also.

I also have about eight inch to play with in my MINI. Hmmm...

Mar 6th, 2003, 09:20 PM	#1
m1les Mulberry Red Mini 40 Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Essex Local Time: 07:32 AM Posts: 1,055 Offline	handbrake I had the handbrake recall carried out some time ago. After a bit of heavy driving the other day, parked up, left the car for about 5 minutes, returned and could push the car easily with one hand. Checked the handbrake, it was on. I could pull it up just one more notch. Dont think that last recall fully cleared the problem so be aware people. It has not happened since. Was a 1, now 1 of 150 in a 40

Mar 6th, 2003, 11:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
here2help MINI2 Senior Join Date: Sep 2002 Local Time: 06:32 AM Posts: 540 Offline	Just some info. Please note that the correct adjustment of the handbrake is as follows:- 1.Pull the lever up just one notch...the handbrake light may or may not be on,the wheels should be free. 2.Then pull it up another notch,this time the handbrake warning light must be on/illuminated and there should be some braking action/binding felt if you drive the car forward. Note:- The second notch as a further stroke/reach than the first notch...First notch 10-20mm second notch around 40-50mm...if you follow me? 3.On the third notch the wheels should be locked up/no movement on the car. 4.If you want to you can adjust it so you can get 4 notches but please note that the car should be locked up at three notches.. Also remove the end cap off the handbrake lever and check the internal diameter...The internal diameter should be greater than or equal to 16.5mm,If it is less than 16.5mm it should have been replaced whilst the lever was replaced. Hope this helps...The end cap was found to be possibly hold the button in or should i say not comming fully out when released. Hope this helps.

Mar 7th, 2003, 12:28 AM	#3 (permalink)
BruceK Moderator & Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: San Antonio, Texas Local Time: 12:32 AM Posts: 3,759 Offline	I'm sorry to hear about that - it shouldn't happen. Please excuse this next part: /rant mode = on/ But for the life of me I can't understand why British drivers (not meaning to pick on you in particular) don't leave their cars IN GEAR when parking. Pick first gear or reverse and use the handbrake! It's simply safer. /rant mode = off/ Ahh... all better now. + 2002 MINI Cooper S - Dark Silver / White roof, Sport, Premium, Lapis blue leather + 1965 Mini Traveller - Tartan Red / White roof, 1275, Cooper S discs, fully restored/renewed

Mar 7th, 2003, 02:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
sjbartnik MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Local Time: 02:32 AM Posts: 629 Offline	It's not just British drivers -- there are plenty of American drivers who do this as well. Baffles me why anyone would leave the car without putting it in gear and also securing the handbrake. I mean if you don't want your car to roll away, seems like you should properly secure it. Not meant to be a poke at anyone, I just have truly never understood it. Sean Bartnik 2003 MINI Cooper S

Mar 7th, 2003, 04:44 PM	#7 (permalink)
m1les Mulberry Red Mini 40 Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Essex Local Time: 07:32 AM Posts: 1,055 Offline	Thanks here2help, i'll check over the weekend. Sorry to hear you got in a bit of a sweat BruceK, but us old school drivers were taught "Handbrake ON, Gearstick in neutral, engine OFF". If we did that we pass our test, if we didnt, we failed. I've no idea what they teach nowadays. Was a 1, now 1 of 150 in a 40

MINI2

Fuel for your MINI obsession

Got a problem with your MINI? Share it here, and maybe even find a solution

Today
Sponsors	Sponsored Links Registered members do not see Google Ads posts, they can also post messages, pictures, and classified adverts. Register your free account today and become a member of MINI2 - MINI Forum

Mar 7th, 2003, 03:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
brycem MINI2 Regular Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edinburgh Local Time: 06:32 AM Posts: 74 Offline	does anyone have play in the actual handle on the lever? That is when you hold the lever you can move the handle back and forth in a cylindrical fashion. I have about a quarter inch of play in the handle and find it quite disconcerting but was told it was normal

Mar 7th, 2003, 04:38 PM	#6 (permalink)
rfinprc wherever you go... Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Cambridge, MA Local Time: 02:32 AM Posts: 1,550 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by brycem does anyone have play in the actual handle on the lever? That is when you hold the lever you can move the handle back and forth in a cylindrical fashion. I have about a quarter inch of play in the handle and find it quite disconcerting but was told it was normal I have the same "play." Also curious.

Mar 7th, 2003, 04:47 PM	#8 (permalink)
mickkassem MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Local Time: 12:32 AM Posts: 43 Offline	My S has about an eight inch play in the handle also.

Mar 7th, 2003, 06:15 PM	#9 (permalink)
here2help MINI2 Senior Join Date: Sep 2002 Local Time: 06:32 AM Posts: 540 Offline	Quote: My S has about an eight inch play in the handle also. An eight of an inch...cant be eight inch surely?

Mar 7th, 2003, 06:38 PM	#10 (permalink)
sjbartnik MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Local Time: 02:32 AM Posts: 629 Offline	To clarify, that's not to say the handbrake shouldn't work properly and if there's a fault MINI should certainly fix it Just it's always nice to have a backup. My handbrake handle does have a very slight amount of rotational play in it but it doesn't appear to be anything abnormal other than cheapness on MINI's part nor does it appear to affect operation. Sean Bartnik 2003 MINI Cooper S

Mar 7th, 2003, 09:09 PM	#11 (permalink)
retroom MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Sunnyvale, Ca. Local Time: 10:32 PM Posts: 559 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by m1les Thanks here2help, i'll check over the weekend. Sorry to hear you got in a bit of a sweat BruceK, but us old school drivers were taught "Handbrake ON, Gearstick in neutral, engine OFF". If we did that we pass our test, if we didnt, we failed. I've no idea what they teach nowadays. I second that!!! retroom 2003 MC,LY/W, sport package, wht wheels, cruise, chrome, Kaleido cloth/black, OB computer

Mar 12th, 2003, 01:42 PM	#12 (permalink)
Pebble MINI2 Regular Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Orlando Fl Local Time: 02:32 AM Posts: 275 Offline	RE: play in handle. My center black bit will rotate all the way round although it is stiff. (no jokes please!) Pebble.

Mar 12th, 2003, 01:53 PM	#13 (permalink)
brycem MINI2 Regular Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edinburgh Local Time: 06:32 AM Posts: 74 Offline	SOUNDS LIKE YOUR BLACK HANDLE IS NOT ONLY STIFF BUT BROKEN

Mar 12th, 2003, 03:11 PM	#14 (permalink)
TheBlackKnight MINI2 Senior Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: London, England Local Time: 07:32 AM Posts: 380 Offline	I always thought that leaving the car in gear was something of a throwback to the days of when most American cars were automatic; the parking brakes were none too good (at least not on any of the Camaros I owned, various ages!) so you left it in gear. Or maybe not...!!! I was always taught, though, that you leave the car in neutral when parked. MINI Going.....Toyota Supra RZ-S Twin Turbo Coming....Standing Quarter, anyone....?

Mar 12th, 2003, 04:49 PM	#15 (permalink)
oldandquitemad MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Smyrna, GA Local Time: 02:32 AM Posts: 47 Offline	I throw every anchor I've got out: hand brake, tranny in a low gear (Or PARK for auto), front wheels turned to the curb if on a slope and I'll even chock the tire if the incline is steep enough. Why take chances.

Mar 12th, 2003, 06:01 PM	#16 (permalink)
sjbartnik MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Local Time: 02:32 AM Posts: 629 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by TheBlackKnight I always thought that leaving the car in gear was something of a throwback to the days of when most American cars were automatic; the parking brakes were none too good (at least not on any of the Camaros I owned, various ages!) so you left it in gear. I don't think so, you can't really leave an automatic in gear or else it will roll away if the handbrake isn't working Park is another story, but it's not the same as being in gear. Besides, most American cars ARE automatic, so there is no throwback to throw back there I don't understand why they would teach to leave a manual transmission in neutral over there. Just doesn't make sense. Sean Bartnik 2003 MINI Cooper S

Mar 12th, 2003, 06:06 PM	#17 (permalink)
jcsinnh MINI2 Master Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: fools & tools proof Local Time: 01:32 AM Posts: 4,856 Offline	I have a long history of frozen hand brakes (not in my MINI...yet) so I tend to use the gears more than the brake. However, if rearended while parked and in 1st or R, more trouble than if just "braked". Just noticed yesterday that the boot of my handbrake has been punctured from within by a bolt end. What's with that? Any thoughts? Hello, Spfld from a former res of W'field, MA Lawdy, Lawdy, the Cross I bear.

Jun 19th, 2003, 05:38 PM	#18 (permalink)
Jayden MINI2 Newbie Join Date: May 2003 Location: Darmstadt Germany Local Time: 06:32 AM Posts: 20 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by mickkassem My S has about an eight inch play in the handle also. I also have about eight inch to play with in my MINI. Hmmm...

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
handbrake adjuster	jonmelkay	Wheels, Tyres & Brakes	0	Apr 18th, 2006 06:03 PM
Handbrake help	ringo	Australia	12	Jan 19th, 2005 07:28 PM
ac schnitzer handbrake.	j.nathan	Interior & Ice	5	Feb 19th, 2004 07:50 AM
handbrake	dundun	Interior & Ice	2	Dec 10th, 2003 05:28 PM
Handbrake	LANER	Interior & Ice	0	Aug 22nd, 2002 11:35 AM