A handbrake can stop working for a variety of reasons, from simple wear and tear to more complex mechanical issues.
Common Causes of Handbrake Failure:
- Worn Brake Shoes or Pads: Over time, the brake shoes or pads on your handbrake can wear down, reducing their effectiveness.
- Cable Stretching or Snapping: The cable that connects the handbrake lever to the brake shoes can stretch or even snap, preventing the handbrake from engaging properly.
- Frozen or Seized Mechanism: The handbrake mechanism itself can become frozen or seized due to rust or corrosion, making it difficult or impossible to engage.
- Loose or Damaged Components: Loose or damaged components within the handbrake system, such as the lever, spring, or adjuster, can lead to malfunction.
- Faulty Handbrake Lever: The handbrake lever itself can become damaged or worn, preventing it from properly engaging the brake.
How to Identify a Failing Handbrake:
- Slow or Gradual Engagement: The handbrake takes longer than usual to engage, or it doesn't hold the vehicle securely.
- Handbrake Release Difficulty: The handbrake is difficult to release, or it releases with a grinding noise.
- Vehicle Rolling Backwards: The handbrake fails to hold the vehicle on a slope, causing it to roll backwards.
- Handbrake Lever Slack: The handbrake lever has excessive slack or doesn't move smoothly.
Tips for Maintaining Your Handbrake:
- Regular Inspections: Check the handbrake lever and cable for damage or wear.
- Periodic Adjustment: Adjust the handbrake cable to ensure proper engagement.
- Lubrication: Lubricate the handbrake mechanism to prevent rust and corrosion.
