How to Repair a Faulty Handbrake?
3 Answers
Remove the storage compartment next to the mechanical handbrake to expose the handbrake components. Use a small wrench or pliers to tighten the handbrake's self-locking screw. Repairing an electronic handbrake is more complex and requires using a diagnostic scanner to check the vehicle's computer system and inspect related components. Follow the prompts to address the issue accordingly.
My handbrake has malfunctioned several times, especially when driving on mountain roads—the car would still roll downhill after pulling it up, which was quite frightening. The most common causes are a loose handbrake cable or it being jammed by dirt/sediment. For repairs, I'd first park on level ground and test the handbrake lever travel—if it pulls up too high without resistance, that's definitely the issue. Then, use a wrench to locate the rear wheel adjustment nut, gradually tightening it 1-2 turns for testing; over-tightening accelerates brake pad wear. But if the cable is rusted or broken, don't force DIY—get it replaced professionally. Remember to always engage gear or use wheel chocks when parking on slopes. Regularly spraying WD-40 after car washes prevents rust-related issues. In short: tackle simple maintenance yourself, leave complex jobs to professionals for peace of mind and safety.
Last week, my handbrake failed, and as a new car owner, I was quite panicked, so I asked a friend to help take a look. We started with simple steps: parking on level ground, pulling the handbrake, and listening for a 'click' sound from the rear wheels; if there was no sound, the cable might be worn or loose. I bought a regular wrench and wanted to adjust the adjuster nut at the bottom myself, as online tutorials suggested just tightening it a bit. However, after trying, I found that the operation required crawling under the car, which was dangerous and could easily cause damage. So, the lesson for beginners: don’t push yourself too hard—just drive to a repair shop for a quick check. The cable is low-cost, and replacing it can solve the problem. Safety measures before repair include engaging the gear to prevent the car from rolling, and daily care to avoid rainwater corroding the handbrake cable area.
