MOT - Fail on handbrake..

[omo]

 

Hi all, help please!  

My car has just failed the MOT, Brake Failures: RBT Park Brake Efficiency: 10%

Parking brake efficiency below requirements.
Offside Rear parking brake recording little or no effort. ** DANGEROUS**.

We tightened the adjuster next to the handbrake as tight as it would go, but it still failed. Before the MOT I had taken off the rear calipers to free them up as the car has been parked up all winter. The teeth on the adjuster on the drivers side are twisted at the end! Someone has obviously tried to force it at some point. Would this cause the handbrake to not operate properly or is this a totally seperate issue? I take it that the cog inside the caliper will have broken teeth aswell, or is it worth trying a new adjuster first?

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/309

I have seen these on fleabay, seems like a good deal at £70 + £25 back for the old one. Anyone bought these before? Should I replace both sides and get new pads at the same time?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Brake-Caliper-REAR-RIGHT-HAND-Mazda-MX5-01-90-94-/230600044116?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item35b0d56e54

[taff_eunos]

 Personally I would invest in a new pair of rear calipers, brakes are not really worth messing about with. The adjusters being broken will certainly cause the handbrake efficiancy to be rubbish as they provide the initial adjustment, if they are damaged you will struggle.

Dr. Eunos

[richardn]

 It may be worth trying new adjusters first before you need to spend over £200

[Mazda_mender]

 It is time to get your hands dirty,it sounds like the handbrake arms on the caliper is sticking,they need an good strip down clean and rebuild,and if you are lucky with a new adjuster and a detailed clean and lube,copper slip,red rubber slip,oil ,time and a lot of swearing,you may just give them life again,other wise it is a new set,but don not get the cheap crap of e-bay for a pair at £60 odd, they are not good and will not last.

Shout if we are needed

[Pollyanna]

 Try this, it takes a little time but it is well worth the effort.   http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/p/250/412.aspx#412

[omo]

 Thanks for the info. I think I’ll try a new adjuster first!

[omo]

 Hi, I bought the new “gear adjust” part no. BW0H-26-733 from Mazda which cost £7.06 as I did not want to wait for one to be posted. Fitted it today and it locked the disc fine, so I backed it off 1/2 a turn just to be sure. The disc turned but was quite stiff. I’ve managed to adjust the hand brake to about 5 clicks, and it stops the car moving after 3. Got an MOT booked for 11 tomorrow morning, so I’ll let you know how I get on. This is a pic of the new and old adjusters…

[omo]

 It PASSED! No advisories either! He did say the brake on the o/s/r could do with a bit more adjustment, but it got through. All I did was fit the new adjuster and tighten the adjuster next to the handbrake in the car!