TVR Chimaera Handbrake / Rear Caliper Definitive guide
Discussion
First, apologies if this is in the wrong place -- couldn't see any posting button on the TVR pages.
I know the handbrake is a very well worn topic, for obvious reasons but for all the reading I've done I only just came across the following -- https://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/adjhandbrake.htm
This appears to be the definitive procedure and the links within the above page all work too. As I've just fitted all new bits, I'm going to follow their guide and see if it improves from completely useless to just useless.
As exact applications also seem to be an issue, I found that for my early '94 build, the rear calipers were Brake Engineering CA551 (left) and CA551R (right). Discs were non-vented 253mm Mintex S253-4 or equivalent; Pads - Febi 16169. Handbrake Cable, TVR J0112.
Mike.
I know the handbrake is a very well worn topic, for obvious reasons but for all the reading I've done I only just came across the following -- https://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/adjhandbrake.htm
This appears to be the definitive procedure and the links within the above page all work too. As I've just fitted all new bits, I'm going to follow their guide and see if it improves from completely useless to just useless.
As exact applications also seem to be an issue, I found that for my early '94 build, the rear calipers were Brake Engineering CA551 (left) and CA551R (right). Discs were non-vented 253mm Mintex S253-4 or equivalent; Pads - Febi 16169. Handbrake Cable, TVR J0112.
Mike.
Oh well --- all fitted. All adjusted precisely according to the Ford book. All still completely useless.
After bleeding, pumped the pedal umpteen times under servo assistance to get the pads as settled to the disc as possible; set the cable etc. Literally no handbrake grab whatsoever. I then pivoted each caliper up to see if perhaps the piston would stand a quarter turn out, to the next locating slot --- but no -- that was too far.
In the end, after more pedal pumping and cable adjustment, have settled for a maximum 5 click setting on the lever. Now, with the footbrake applied hard and the strongest pull I can make on the lever, the handbrake does engage sufficiently that the discs can't be rotated by hand, but as for the notion they are there as an emergency brake, it's just laughable.
Very disappointing.
Mike.
After bleeding, pumped the pedal umpteen times under servo assistance to get the pads as settled to the disc as possible; set the cable etc. Literally no handbrake grab whatsoever. I then pivoted each caliper up to see if perhaps the piston would stand a quarter turn out, to the next locating slot --- but no -- that was too far.
In the end, after more pedal pumping and cable adjustment, have settled for a maximum 5 click setting on the lever. Now, with the footbrake applied hard and the strongest pull I can make on the lever, the handbrake does engage sufficiently that the discs can't be rotated by hand, but as for the notion they are there as an emergency brake, it's just laughable.
Very disappointing.
Mike.
Someone has mentioned in the past about using genuine pads or at least equivalents as most modern stuff is junk including mintex.
The handbrake location in the car I found doesn't help apply it but everyone is different.
I'd maybe try an extra couple of clicks on the adjustnent and see how it goes, following that procedure may be ok on the original ford's but not on a Tvr.
Many of these systems don't work as intended.
The handbrake location in the car I found doesn't help apply it but everyone is different.
I'd maybe try an extra couple of clicks on the adjustnent and see how it goes, following that procedure may be ok on the original ford's but not on a Tvr.
Many of these systems don't work as intended.
For it to be effective I found it needs to be two clicks on the handbrake and it’s starting to tighten up and the third click it grabs and is enough to hold the car, 4 clicks takes some pulling but is then very firmly on.
Maybe tighten it up very slightly.
I changed my handbrake cable for a quality new one and it was definitely a little easier to pull on.
In my cars case that helped as I’d not done any other changes or touched the rear brakes.
My old cable looked very good considering it’s age but where it passes over the drive shafts and out to each wheel and shrouded in an outer cabling it showed some resistance to movement. That must be why the new one is easier to use. Possibly water ingress and corrosion over time inside that shrouding.
Worth considering if all else fails.
Maybe tighten it up very slightly.
I changed my handbrake cable for a quality new one and it was definitely a little easier to pull on.
In my cars case that helped as I’d not done any other changes or touched the rear brakes.
My old cable looked very good considering it’s age but where it passes over the drive shafts and out to each wheel and shrouded in an outer cabling it showed some resistance to movement. That must be why the new one is easier to use. Possibly water ingress and corrosion over time inside that shrouding.
Worth considering if all else fails.
It is not uncommon for the mechanism within the calipers to seize, no amount of adjusting will give you a decent handbrake if this is the case. Caliper overhaul is only solution.
Add a new cable (even if old one "feels" okay) and you should be able to park quite confidently on any hill
Ah ! Perhaps in the spirit of authenticity, new calipers come pre-seized. :-)
I'm not a fan of most of the modern electric stuff they currently fit to cars, but it does occur to me that an electric handbrake would be a distinct improvement here.
Cables stiffening up is definitely an issue. While the old brake one didn't seem too bad (changed it anyway), the bonnet release cable became completely inoperable.
Mike.
I'm not a fan of most of the modern electric stuff they currently fit to cars, but it does occur to me that an electric handbrake would be a distinct improvement here.
Cables stiffening up is definitely an issue. While the old brake one didn't seem too bad (changed it anyway), the bonnet release cable became completely inoperable.
Mike.
.I have just done a full brake upgrade & serviced the rear calipers. New drilled & grooved discs. New pads. Then in another youtube video i have done a new hancbrake cable.
The front brake i went to 300mm discs & Brembo 4 pot calipers. I'll try & post a link to the full TVR Chimaera playlist for anyone interested. I think the 1st video is of sorting out the erratic tickover. If you click on my steviegtr monica on the channel you can then get to playlists of all my content.
Steve.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xPZfSgAqm8&li...
The front brake i went to 300mm discs & Brembo 4 pot calipers. I'll try & post a link to the full TVR Chimaera playlist for anyone interested. I think the 1st video is of sorting out the erratic tickover. If you click on my steviegtr monica on the channel you can then get to playlists of all my content.
Steve.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xPZfSgAqm8&li...
Edited by steviegtr on Monday 3rd June 20:44
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