Handbrake not efficient enough for IVA

[Wain]

I have recently failed the IVA, one of the points was due to the handbrake not being efficient enough. I have Wilwood calipers, but with the handbrake on the car can still be pushed. I have spoken with the supplier who advised this is normal as the handbrake does not have the leverage to sufficiently apply the handbrake. Has anyone else had a similar issue? has anyone else had to create a linkage mechanism to improve handbrake efficiency?

[flyerncle]

Are the calipers separate to brakes,are they like normal windback calipers.
Normally tightening cable too much reduces the throw of operating arms and therefore force applied,possibly lengthen the pivot arm if possible.
Just looked on Willwood,its possible you need to reset the piston back with cable right off,press the brake and then adjust cable,set up and working properly they should lock.

[Wain]

These are the calipers i have: http://www.rallydesign.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=11370 the pistons cant be wound in and the handbrake cable pulls a lever at each side together which pulls the pads in.
I will try slackening the cable though. Only other thing i can think is to extend the handbrake for more leverage!

[RichardH]

i would say you need to look at other calipers, at least for iva test

[flyerncle]

Picture is not helpful,I would think there is some mechanical adjustment on pad rod for h/brake as you would loose the hand brake when the pads wear.

Try slackening cable off and if the is an adjuster screw it up tight to lock wheel and then back it off one turn to allow for heat.

Good luck.

[garyt]

googled it and the concensus is that the hand brake function is poor
here is a link to one fix
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=153582
good luck

[Wain]

Im a bit reluctant to get a pair of calipers just for the IVA and MOTs. I will try and make a linkage as discribed in Gary's link. Just a shame the chap didnt include any pics in that thread.

[garyt]

Hi Wain , are you on locost builders ? if so drop the guy adithorp a u2u message and see if he can get a picture / has a picture / or can describe the linkage for you even if he could send a private email to you. If not I can message him on your behalf
I will have a dig around and see what I can find
Gary

[garyt]

just thinking it should be fairly straight forward to make a 2:1 or whatever you decide 180 deg crank connect the hand brake to the short side and the hand brake cable to the long side with a bit of thought you could make the long side, longer than needed with extra holes until you decide on the correct ratio.
This is probably the easiest way to increase effective pressure

[Wain]

I have just signed upto Locost builders now. After reading that threat it got me thinking, a piece of 3mm steel in a V shape mounted horizontally; longest end going to handbrake and shorter connected to brake cables, and like you say if i add holes i can adjust for optimal leverage.
I will post on Locost builders to see if he can share a pick, see if it is the same as what is in my head.