floppy parking brake lever

[JHZR2]

Hi,

My 91 BMW 318i has a floppy parking brake lever. Has been worse since it has gotten colder out.

The parking brake works perfectly. Four or five clicks and it holds the car well. However, going over small bumps and whatnot, the light comes on, as the lever moves around enough to close the switch.

Also, with the right vibration or bump, the lever will actually engage the first ratchet, so though the pads are not engaged, the lever will need to be disengaged via the button.

Seems to me that there is an issue with the slack in the brake line. However, is there usually a spring to keep the lever down?

What should I look for and how do I best fix this issue?

Thanks!

JMH

 

[mechtech2]

The return spring is usually on the brake assembly at the wheel.
The cable is sticky, or the return spring system is faulty.

 

[Curious Kid]

Oh dear...

 

[alreadygone]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
The return spring is usually on the brake assembly at the wheel.
The cable is sticky, or the return spring system is faulty.


While quite true, there's usually a small spring built into pedal assembly just to keep this specific problem from occuring. Look and see if there's any way to add more tension to it.


Bob

 

[JHZR2]

no pedal... hand lever.

 

[The_Jeff]

The weight of the cables, if taut, should keep the lever in place. Double check 'em.

 

[Merkava_4]

Quote:
Seems to me that there is an issue with the slack in the brake line.


What you do is position your parking brake handle at the middle of its travel and then get under the car and start tightening up your cable tensioner. You'll need a pair of ViseGrips to hold the threaded rod still while you turn the adjuster nut.

 

[rpn453]

My girlfriend's MX-6 had the floppy e-brake handle problem. The parking brake mechanism was partially seized at the rear calipers. The car spent its first 7 years in the land of salt and humidity (Ontario - I wouldn't authorize such a purchase but she already had it when I met her). I installed new calipers, along with pads and rotors, a few months ago and now it works fine.