C3 2011 getting to the handbrake?

[ultra2extreme]

The bracket has dropped away from the back of the handbrake in my 2011 HDi and one of the cables has come out of it. How hard is it to completely remove that centre console to get at it? Once i have access it should be a doddle to reattach. Any tips?

[ultra2extreme]

nevermind all done, for future travellers


Remove cap in cup holder at rear of handbrake.

Undo 14mm nut
unclip gear shift gaiter
unclip and remove surround of gearstick/center console trim (pulls away)
Remove 2 hex screws securing the center console to the dash (either side of shifter)
Unclip wiring loom from mount beneath handbrake

This gives enough space to easily play with handbrake. If you disconnect the plugs on the 2 12v sockets you could pull this peice out completely but it isnt necessary.

Regarding the handbrake, looks like one of my drums might be siezed, one of the handbrake cables is several CM longer than the other which has caused the working cable to slip out of the bracket. Ive added some R clips/split pins to the ceased one to even them out and restore handbrake function until i can disassemble the drum later on after ive taken the kids swimming. Not familiar with this forum would people like some pictures of this process or is this a bit on the simple side to warrant it?

[Hell Razor5543]

Well done, and thanks for the write up.

[GiveMeABreak]

nevermind all done, for future travellers
.....Not familiar with this forum would people like some pictures of this process or is this a bit on the simple side to warrant it?

I was going to put up the procedure for you, but you seem to have fixed it now, so no need.