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[Lizzie_Zoom]

It is the first time I have had to adjust the handbrake on a miggy, and I couldn't believe the procedure!  Here am I working on a year 2000 car and I find you have to stick a screwdriver into a darkened hole in the disc hub to adjust a crude ratchet device!   Now I was mechanically trained on 1950s and 1960s cars where such devices were common, as of course they were on 1970s and 1980s vehicles, so I know them only too well (bloody things!!). So I was amazed to be adjusting such a thing again on a so called modern technology car!  Adjusting these devices was always far to inprecise for me, and once more this is what I found on the miggy!!

Better a rachet device Lizzie that works  ......than a haudraulic handbrake......that lets go after a while  

You may remember vx had probs with VeccyC and Signum handbrakes.....'modern technology' not quite working  

When I had my VeccyC i had a letter from vx concerning the handbrake.......letter basically said apply handbrake with as much force as you can and leave in gear   If that isnt an admission to our 'high tec' handbrake isnt doing what its suppose to.......then i dont what is  

Yes I know TD you are right , but why has a better system not been invented?

Is it like the windscreen wipers; no one has come up with a better solution of clearing water from a glass screen? :-? :-?

[Taxi_Driver]

It is the first time I have had to adjust the handbrake on a miggy, and I couldn't believe the procedure!  Here am I working on a year 2000 car and I find you have to stick a screwdriver into a darkened hole in the disc hub to adjust a crude ratchet device!   Now I was mechanically trained on 1950s and 1960s cars where such devices were common, as of course they were on 1970s and 1980s vehicles, so I know them only too well (bloody things!!). So I was amazed to be adjusting such a thing again on a so called modern technology car!  Adjusting these devices was always far to inprecise for me, and once more this is what I found on the miggy!!

Better a rachet device Lizzie that works  ......than a haudraulic handbrake......that lets go after a while  

You may remember vx had probs with VeccyC and Signum handbrakes.....'modern technology' not quite working  

When I had my VeccyC i had a letter from vx concerning the handbrake.......letter basically said apply handbrake with as much force as you can and leave in gear   If that isnt an admission to our 'high tec' handbrake isnt doing what its suppose to.......then i dont what is  

Yes I know TD you are right , but why has a better system not been invented?

Is it like the windscreen wipers; no one has come up with a better solution of clearing water from a glass screen? :-? :-?

As in other post Lizzie.....Vx tried the haudraulic 'modern' method as the new upto date alternative....

VeccyC's and Signums dont have a seperate handbrake setup (ie no handbrake pad or drum). They use a cable from handbrake lever to rear brake pad calipers to apply handbrake via the brake fluid to the rear brake pads  

Never need to adjust em.....as take up is done via brake fluid

Nearly worked  

[Taxi_Driver]

I'll expand on why the VectraC/Signums handbrakes had/have a problem in case you dont know Lizzie....and was probably vx's attempt at a 'modern' handbrake....if not, prolly to save money  

As said in last post.....they dont have seperate handbrake shoe setup....they use rear brake pads via handbrake lever and brake fluid.

Some of the VeccyC's/Signum's had a problem with rolling away after handbrake was applied.

The 'theory' i like to believe as to why this was happening....

Pads/discs get hot during normal braking....and expand...
So the 'new technology' was using the pads and disks that have expanded during normal driving.....
The handbrake gets put on using these expanded parts.....parts cool and contract.... so force between the two materials decrease.......and hence why the handbrakes were letting go.....

Thats my opinion on why vx had probs.....but its only my opinion and maybe totally b*llocks.....and i never said it.....so nobody can sue me  

[feeutfo]

[/quote]
treat yourself to a set of rachet spanners [/quote]

You're right TB, and they are on offer in my Halfords!!
[/quote]

Diamond ring, gold earings, silver neckless...?  nope... ratchet spanners! Respect to Lizzie Zoom

[cem_devecioglu]

Lizzie my vote is for you

[Lizzie_Zoom]

treat yourself to a set of rachet spanners [/quote]

You're right TB, and they are on offer in my Halfords!!
[/quote]

Diamond ring, gold earings, silver neckless...?  nope... ratchet spanners! Respect to Lizzie Zoom [/quote]

Thanks Chris!

Diamond rings etc will not keep my car going, but tools and me will  

Ever since I started working on cars at 12, then properly at 17 I have always valued good tools, so I have always kept on updating my collection to suit the jobs and cars I am currently working on.  Shouldn't go wrong with the right good quality tools used in the right way!

[Mr Skrunts]

I have some good tools, they just dont get any use any more.   :-/

[Lizzie_Zoom]

I have some good tools, they just dont get any use any more.   :-/

 

[Marks DTM Calib]

I'll expand on why the VectraC/Signums handbrakes had/have a problem in case you dont know Lizzie....and was probably vx's attempt at a 'modern' handbrake....if not, prolly to save money  

As said in last post.....they dont have seperate handbrake shoe setup....they use rear brake pads via handbrake lever and brake fluid.

Some of the VeccyC's/Signum's had a problem with rolling away after handbrake was applied.

The 'theory' i like to believe as to why this was happening....

Pads/discs get hot during normal braking....and expand...
So the 'new technology' was using the pads and disks that have expanded during normal driving.....
The handbrake gets put on using these expanded parts.....parts cool and contract.... so force between the two materials decrease.......and hence why the handbrakes were letting go.....

Thats my opinion on why vx had probs.....but its only my opinion and maybe totally b*llocks.....and i never said it.....so nobody can sue me  

Major floor in the above that you are missing.

Vx (and the other manufacturers) have not designed thier own braking system for 10's ofyears.

The setup used on the signum/vectra C is the same as that used on the Astra, BMW's, VAG, some Fords etc etc etc.....

Common issue with a clmped disc handbrake.......as the disc cools and shrinks, the pressure applied by the pads reduces. The only way round it is to insert a spring in the cable setup to store some energy.

[Martin_1962]

I'll expand on why the VectraC/Signums handbrakes had/have a problem in case you dont know Lizzie....and was probably vx's attempt at a 'modern' handbrake....if not, prolly to save money  

As said in last post.....they dont have seperate handbrake shoe setup....they use rear brake pads via handbrake lever and brake fluid.

Some of the VeccyC's/Signum's had a problem with rolling away after handbrake was applied.

The 'theory' i like to believe as to why this was happening....

Pads/discs get hot during normal braking....and expand...
So the 'new technology' was using the pads and disks that have expanded during normal driving.....
The handbrake gets put on using these expanded parts.....parts cool and contract.... so force between the two materials decrease.......and hence why the handbrakes were letting go.....

Thats my opinion on why vx had probs.....but its only my opinion and maybe totally b*llocks.....and i never said it.....so nobody can sue me  

Major floor in the above that you are missing.

Vx (and the other manufacturers) have not designed thier own braking system for 10's ofyears.

The setup used on the signum/vectra C is the same as that used on the Astra, BMW's, VAG, some Fords etc etc etc.....

Common issue with a clmped disc handbrake.......as the disc cools and shrinks, the pressure applied by the pads reduces. The only way round it is to insert a spring in the cable setup to store some energy.

Lets think - rear disc handbrakes I have seen.

Ford Zephyr Mk4 rods through caliper - leaked like hell

BMWs - usually use mini shoes in a mini drum - work

Volvo  - usually use mini shoes in a mini drum - work

VX/Opel mini shoes in min drums - work

I bought a apir of Chrysler 180 calipers for my Sunbeam - never managed to get the seal kit to overhaul them - leaky seal was - the one for the brake rod.