QUESTION
I have just installed a new replacement hand brake cable but the inner appears to be the same length as the original.
The inner flexible cable is too long and will not to activate the linkage to the disc pads even when the adjuster was adjusted fully.
Is it possible that a part is missing that would allow further adjustment of the cable?
The outer cable seems to fit comfortably from the activating handle to the adjuster and the manual does not show any diagrams which could give a clue.
The handbrake has never worked while in my possession but the disc pads were worn unevenly and at odd angles.
I expect you noticed the strange wear patter when the old worn pads were returned to Lotus Marques.
What is it about the Elan that there are a lot of challengers or is it just this one?
I believe the car was rebuilt after a hard hit on the front- maybe the adjuster mount beside the engine block on the offside was moved?
Any advice you might have would be appreciated.
D.O. - Davidson, NSW
ANSWER
From experience, if the Elan hand brake components are correct and adjusted properly, then the pads will grip and prevent the vehicle moving.
Unfortunately the operational ability of any Lotus Elan is dependant on its age and the skill of the previous operator(s) maintaining the vehicle.
These factors influence the vehicle reliability and hidden challenges for successive owners.
From what you have deduced, it would appear the hand brake cable appears to be correct in terms of length and operation.
For the rear pads to apply sufficient pressure to the discs there are a number of components that need to be correct.
1) Rear discs need to be the correct thickness (and not under-size)
2) Rear brake pads need to have sufficient thickness material
3) Rear brake pads need to be adjusted correctly - see workshop manual
4) The rear chassis mounted fulcrum/swivel mechanism needs to be mounted correctly
5) The rear lever arm on the swivel mechanism needs to be in the correct position for cable operation
6) The left-hand and right-hand actuator rods must be the correct length (these are often incorrectly substituted lengths)
Correct dimensions for the Elan hand brake linkage rods are as follows-
Passenger side (N/S) rod length, hole centre to centre distance is 445 mm
Driver side (O/S) rod length, hole centre to centre distance is 375 mm
To investigate this problem the following steps are recommended.
a) Raise the Elan at the rear and place on axle-stands.
b) Release the hand brake in the cabin and then disconnect the cable nipple at the rear swivel mechanism.
c) Operate the rear lever by hand (where the cable connects) and check the linkages and pads will stop the rear wheels from rotating.
d) Check the rear swivel mechanism lever is not bent in a forward direction, preventing the correct amount of leverage/force being applied to the linkages etc.
Copyright © 2013 Lotus Marques
I have just installed a new replacement hand brake cable but the inner appears to be the same length as the original.
The inner flexible cable is too long and will not to activate the linkage to the disc pads even when the adjuster was adjusted fully.
Is it possible that a part is missing that would allow further adjustment of the cable?
The outer cable seems to fit comfortably from the activating handle to the adjuster and the manual does not show any diagrams which could give a clue.
The handbrake has never worked while in my possession but the disc pads were worn unevenly and at odd angles.
I expect you noticed the strange wear patter when the old worn pads were returned to Lotus Marques.
What is it about the Elan that there are a lot of challengers or is it just this one?
I believe the car was rebuilt after a hard hit on the front- maybe the adjuster mount beside the engine block on the offside was moved?
Any advice you might have would be appreciated.
D.O. - Davidson, NSW
ANSWER
From experience, if the Elan hand brake components are correct and adjusted properly, then the pads will grip and prevent the vehicle moving.
Unfortunately the operational ability of any Lotus Elan is dependant on its age and the skill of the previous operator(s) maintaining the vehicle.
These factors influence the vehicle reliability and hidden challenges for successive owners.
From what you have deduced, it would appear the hand brake cable appears to be correct in terms of length and operation.
For the rear pads to apply sufficient pressure to the discs there are a number of components that need to be correct.
1) Rear discs need to be the correct thickness (and not under-size)
2) Rear brake pads need to have sufficient thickness material
3) Rear brake pads need to be adjusted correctly - see workshop manual
4) The rear chassis mounted fulcrum/swivel mechanism needs to be mounted correctly
5) The rear lever arm on the swivel mechanism needs to be in the correct position for cable operation
6) The left-hand and right-hand actuator rods must be the correct length (these are often incorrectly substituted lengths)
Correct dimensions for the Elan hand brake linkage rods are as follows-
Passenger side (N/S) rod length, hole centre to centre distance is 445 mm
Driver side (O/S) rod length, hole centre to centre distance is 375 mm
To investigate this problem the following steps are recommended.
a) Raise the Elan at the rear and place on axle-stands.
b) Release the hand brake in the cabin and then disconnect the cable nipple at the rear swivel mechanism.
c) Operate the rear lever by hand (where the cable connects) and check the linkages and pads will stop the rear wheels from rotating.
d) Check the rear swivel mechanism lever is not bent in a forward direction, preventing the correct amount of leverage/force being applied to the linkages etc.
Copyright © 2013 Lotus Marques