I haven’t come across this on any forums but wondered if anyone’s had a similar problem: when I release the handbrake on my NC1 (2006), the button doesn’t immediately pop back out. So, when I want to put the handbrake back on, it doesn’t engage the ratchet, and the handle just drops back down. To get the button to pop out, I sort of have to slam the handle down to dislodge it.
Unscrewed the button and checked the spring, which seems to be sound. So next I lifted up the gaiter to see what was going on mechanically when I released the brake, and it looks as though the metal rod which the button screws onto is catching on the body of the handbrake assembly, and the spring doesn’t have enough force to overcome it.
Any suggestions please? Am I going to have to replace the whole assembly, or is there an easier fix?
Hi Alex. I had exactly the same problem. I removed the centre console and bent the rod very slightly away from the handbrake and then put some grease on it for good measure. It’s been fine ever since. Not a hard job, but the electrical connector for the electric windows was a real pig to separate.
Good luck.
D.
Great, thanks, I’ll give that a go. I’ll need the practice getting the centre console off because I want to fit one of those replacement trays with a 12v socket at some point (will inevitably need to plug in the sat nav and mobile phone at the same time!)
Did the rod bend fairly easily or is it a brute force job? Don’t want to weaken it and risk making the situation worse if it decides to snap :s
I don’t remember it being difficult to bent, just put a screwdriver between the rod and the part it was rubbing on and eased them apart. Didn’t take much force at all.
D
Well, I’ve had a go at it, but where it seems to be catching there doesn’t seem to be much clearance to bend the rod away. Gave it a good dose of lubrication and we’ll see what happens!
In the meantime, I noticed while doing it that the handbrake button is looking a bit worn. “Well,” I thought, “this should be easy enough to rectify, I’ll pop online and order a replacement button. Can’t cost much for a bit of silver plastic can it?”
Several hours later, including a call to my local Mazda dealer and an unsuccessful email to MX5parts, it seems you can’t get a Mk3 handbrake button for love nor money! Unless, that is, you want a ‘drift button’, which appear to available in spades, but are completely useless to me. The only one I could find in Europe were chrome ones from Germany (not ideal, as my colour scheme is more satin than chrome, but needs must). However, the shape looks different from the existing button, which is slightly wider at the base, then steps down for the bit which sticks out of the handle. So I’m a bit wary of paying the extremely steep £18 P&P charge, in case it doesn’t fit.
Anyone know where I can get a new button in the UK?
You know what, it probably is the same thing and I’m just being a bit too light-handed with it for fear of making the situation worse I’m off out to pick up the lady wife shortly, so I’ll see if anything’s improved.
My 08 2.0 Niseko has the same issue. Spraying in a little lithium grease fixes it for a while, but I’ve now learned just to hit the handbrake lever to release the button. It’s on my fairly lengthy ‘to do but not now’ list.
My tinkering didn’t appear to help, so I’ve just bought a second hand lever assembly on a “popular online auction site” ?? Supposedly in perfect working order, and cosmetically decent (not too fussed considering I plan to replace the sleeve anyway). I’m not confident working on brakes - too much risk! - so I’ll find someone to fit it for me when I get back from me hols.
I’m off out to pick up the lady wife shortly, so I’ll see if anything’s improved.