X7 electric handbrake.

[Peter.N.]

My exclusive failed the MOT yesterday, handbrake and brake hose, no problem I foolishly thought, until I looked at the video on YouTube. I can hear you laughing from here! Diabox required to reset mechanism. I don't even have a Lexia, lost it in the house fire last year.

Does anyone know anything about the 'Launch X431' as advertised on Amazon, the reviews seem to be anywhere between 'best thing since sliced bread' and 'not compatible with my car'. Is there any other way of resetting the mechanism - probably not, but I thought I would try calling for help - you are very good on here.

Peter

[mickthemaverick]

Unfortunately I am still confined to quarters so unable to help on this occasion Peter. There are members in the south west with diagbox and hopefully one of them will be able to help out. No comment from me on the Launch with no experience of it. Good luck

[Peter.N.]

Hi Mick

Sorry to hear of your 'confinement' hope you will be back with us soon. The problem is that I need the diagbox with me as I do the job although apparently there is a way to do it manually which I will have to investigate further.

All the best

Peter.

[Paul-R]

What is it you're wanting to do with the handbrake Peter? I've changed discs and pads at the back without using a diagnostic machine in the past. I don't remember any big problems. I released the handbrake and then disconnected the battery to be sure there was no chance of accidentally operating the system while calliper was hanging free.

As I see it, it's easier on the X7 because the handbrake mechanism is separate from the calliper. Unlike my 308 where it's all in one unit. You're supposed to use a diagnostic on that as well but that can be done without one if you're prepared to disconnect the battery and slightly dismantle the unit.

[Peter.N.]

Thanks Paul

Since my last post I have been investigating the pros and cons of manual set up and come to the conclusion that it can be done without diagnostic interaction, I am very relieved!. I have now ordered the brake pads and see how we go from there. Thanks for your input.

Peter

[RichardW]

Are you sure it's actually a fault - what was the failure noted? It's quite common for cars with the earlier setup with central motor and cable to fail the MOT for handbrake efficiency because the tester just gives a quick pull on the button and it doesn't apply properly. Ideally they would pull and hold till it applies the 'extra' force after a couple of seconds. Assuming that the X7 one works in the same way as other PSA cars.... Note that if the motor or one of the cable on these is at fault it's only available as a complete unit at ££££ - if you can even still get one!!

[Lenny]

It is possible to replace the cables, and it's not a bad job.
I got a pair from a chap on the Facebook C5 page (seems like he's a C6 nut) and the price wasn't bad either.
You definitely need Diagbox to tension the cables after replacing them though.

[MGmike]

It is possible to replace the cables, and it's not a bad job.
I got a pair from a chap on the Facebook C5 page (seems like he's a C6 nut) and the price wasn't bad either.
You definitely need Diagbox to tension the cables after replacing them though.

Thanks Lenny. That would be me I hang around here as well from time to time

I do still have a few sets of X7 cables available if and when they are needed.

[Lenny]

I finally got around to fitting them a few weeks ago and it was a surprisingly enjoyable job.
Connecting the offside to the brake unit was a bit challenging but I worked it out after taking a couple of pics with my phone so I understand what I was fiddling with.
The cables were absolutely perfect, so thanks very much again