Hi all, I am planning to replace my vrs brake disks and pads over the Christmas /new year break, it was an mot advisory whilst my son was last driving it.

I have also bought a pair of handbrake spring assistors after reading about issues with the pads possibly not releasing once the hand break has been released, Ford galaxy ones as it did occasionally object to reversing slightly even when the handbrake was not applied.

Is there any easy way to identify if the hand brake cables are sticking inside the protective flexible outer sleeve, I am asking this because I had the car out of the garage and noticed the handbrake pulled up exactly 4 notches, (read it here somewhere) I normally push the lever button in when applying.

Went to move the car back and the handbrake lever was reluctant to push to release and obviously the pads were still against the discs as it sounded as though I had a squealing piglet on board.

Just to mention again car still not driven for the last 18 months but it has never done this in that time.

Just probably over thinking in advance.

Any helpful advice appreciated.

Martin

 

Once you have the callipers off to change the discs etc, or even before, lever the ball-end of the cable out of its slot in the calliper handbrake lever - then try moving each lever, that will tell you if it is the levers that are stiff and so need cleaned and free'd up, or the cable.  I don't think that you will notice much from a bowden cable while one end of it is free from its normal "load".