C5 Mk1 handbrake cables

[Xantianut]

Ay up!

Just discovered that I have zero effort on the RHS handbrake. LHS works well. The lever on the caliper feels free and there is even wear across the 4 pads.

Do both handbrake cables connect to the handbrake lever? Dumbass question, I know, but the brain is fading! I do hope so, the alternative is a swine of a job of they're owt like a Xantia......

** edited to remove howler of a spelling mistake!!!

[BX]

Yes both attach to the lever. The rearmost section of the centre console can be opened to check and adjust the handbrake. However changing a c5 handbrake cable is not the easiest as normally the metal tube needs to be changed as well. The topic is well covered on this forum.

[Xantianut]

Thanks, BX.

From reading the Forum I can also see just what's happened. The self adjuster mechanism has seized and the cable has popped off the lever due to the excessive travel. So I need some WD40 on the caliper levers and to get the centre console off. And then tighten the clamp around the nearside leak off pipe "pad". Longer term, two refurb front calipers are needed. Oh, joy and this one does not have the easy to bleed system of a proper Citroen.

Not forgetting to work the WD40 in of course......

[Stickyfinger]

WD40, not good..

use PlusGas and then a light engine oil, finish with a white grease

[Gibbo2286]

WD40, not good..

use PlusGas and then a light engine oil, finish with a white grease

You always say that Sticky but my many years of experience with both products tells me that there is little or no difference in the results they give. WD40 is a good piece of kit and I always have a can on my workshop shelf.

Incidentally if you're interested in the product here's a bit of info: http://wd40.com/cool-stuff/history

[Stickyfinger]

I do, where appropriate....eg I say NEVER near use it near a bearing if you cannot open it up and re-grease, it washes it out the grease and breaks it down allowing/transporting the grit deeper into the joint.

On your nuts mate, apply what you like. I use WD40 for this type of application or anything at hand.
However
https://www.engineeringforchange.org/ne ... g_oil.html

[Xantianut]

Ay up!

Did I say the lever felt free? Cable's OK though.

Seized bloody solid!!!! Replacement caliper on order.......

[Stickyfinger]

even if you had free'd it, within months or after the first good rain it would go again just when you do not need it to. You also get the piece of mind it will not seize again with a new caliper and that is worth gold mate ..chin up.

[Xantianut]

What, all of them?

ROFL!!!!!!

[Stickyfinger]

walk

[dnsey]

For now, if you get a pair of molegrips on the lever and start to work it, you may well be able to free it up. It won't last, though!

[Gibbo2286]

For now, if you get a pair of molegrips on the lever and start to work it, you may well be able to free it up. It won't last, though!

It will if you give it a periodic spray with WD40 (sorry.., Plus-Gas ) I just raise the suspension to high turn the wheel out and reach under with the spray can, done in a minute.

[Xantianut]

I go for a world record.

7 chins!!!!!!