Handbrake dilemma!

[mahnameisjerik0]

Hi I just wanted to introduce myself and say that I've just bought a 1991 Peugeot 405 GLX 1.9. The car runs great, but does have issues. the biggest of which is the Handbrake.

The handbrake lever has no resistance/feel to it at all, its as if it wasn't connected to anything. I checked the cables today and found that there was alot of slack and so I tried adjusting it by using the cable equalizer found under the car. But still after this attempt of repair the handbrake lever only has resistance after 8-9 clicks up, even with this the handbrake itself is not engaging.

so what do you guys think? do I have to shorten the cable? replace it? or is the handbrake system broken?

I hope I get a response asap, since I have to use this car as a delivery car and stopping without turning off the car is much needed. I've already done my shift tonight without it working and I had to turn off and on the car so many times that I'm feeling bad for the starter motor.

thanks guys

[chopper1192]

Not sure if your's is drums of discs on the rear. IIRC the main cable connects to a linkage that in turn operates 2 x seperate cables, one to each wheel. Check this linkage doobrey is clean and properly adjusted.

On discs there's no adjustment at the wheels, so it'll be a case of stripping and rebilding the calipers with new seals. They're notoriously crap.

On drums there may be adjusters on the cables at each wheel.

Good luck.

[405GLX]

I had that a few times through my first 405's life, and I had to change the cables, as they were incredibly worn.

So, that's what I think you should do.