Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

HI all. She failed the MOT on the handbrake today. Only 8% and only need 16% to pass, I have removed the discs and everything seems to be moving ok. It feels like the cable as the action is not smooth but all the cables appear free and working. The brakes were releasing at the MOT centre and the Guys thought it may be cables because of this. Having dismantled one side and then looking at the cables route (up behind the beam - nightmare) I was going to just adjust and put back and hope for the best. Any suggestions would be welcome. Gutted that its all it failed on but the current MOT doesn't run out until 21st April so at least 3 more weeks to enjoy!!
Thanks

Handbrakes are notoriously weak on 944s.Replaced the long handbrake cable on mine last weekend.The inner cable was corroded to the outer cable , and the steel pivot piece at the axle was seized onto the cable , which meant it wouldn't pivot.All in all it meant that altho' the outer cable moved when you put the handbrake on , the inner was going nowhere and hence the handbrake didn't work.Had to cut the old inner and outer with an angle grinder in various places to remove it , including where it is retained leading into the cabin.This was then drilled out and the new cable fitted.I now have a handbrake that will actually hold the car on a hill.Haven't actually tested it at MOT yet ( next month !! ) , but feel very confident it will pass on that. The short cable seems to be OK ,but even if it does need changing , it looks easier than the long one.

I had put off changing the cable for a couple of years , but I dont think you can get round it ( assuming your shoes are OK and its adjusted up properly)
Good Luck !!

Toby

Update - Short cable OK, long cable apperars OK but as only £35 from OPC and the discs and assembly all in bits, am going to renew. Quadrant moved but pin seized and I guess it all has to move to work well. I used heat to free the pins and the cable housing to the floor.
Hopefully this will allow a pass later next week.
I am planning my first TIPEC outing to Gaydon.

There never very good even when everythings working. You may need to find more sympathetic tester. (If you take the pads off then you should replace the springs as they tend to pop off once they've been removed.) Good luck

I must be one of the lucky ones as both my S2 and 924S handbrakes work really well and I can honestly say other than changing the rear discs on the 924S but re-using the same handbrake shoes I have done no real maintenance.

My 944s (which is now starting fine, thanks to the new DME relay advice!)
also failed its last MOT on the handbrake (was very weak though)
had the cable replaced and new pads, but would have to agree with popular opinion that the handbrake hust isnt very good! as its made little difference.
maybe a different tester could be best ( and a cheaper solution)

My handbrake seems to work fine for handbrake turns on tight Autotsolos. Not quite the same as an MOT admittedly.