Where is the problem when the handbrake cannot be pulled up?
4 Answers
The reason the handbrake cannot be pulled up is usually due to prolonged use, causing it to become increasingly loose and unable to engage. In practice, car owners can use a wrench to restore the brake to its factory condition. Here are the detailed repair steps: Before making adjustments, park the car on a flat surface. Place blocks or stones in front of and behind the tires to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Adjust the nut, which is typically located behind the handbrake, inside the center console, or under the handlebox cover (varies by vehicle model). Use an appropriate wrench to adjust the tension of the handle; turn the screw clockwise to tighten it to a certain degree, then test the handbrake by pulling it. The handbrake should feel tight when pulled to about 70% of its total travel. Jack up the rear wheels, release the handbrake, and rotate the tires to check if they spin normally. There should be slight friction when rotating, but not too tight, as excessive tension can increase fuel consumption and accelerate brake pad wear. Finally, check both tires to ensure consistency on both sides, completing the handbrake adjustment. Lubricate the brake return spring. After adjustment, it is recommended to spray universal lubricant and rust inhibitor near the return spring for lubrication or rust removal. Rust on the return spring or surrounding components can also affect the handbrake's braking performance. If the handbrake becomes loose, avoid repeatedly adjusting the cable, as the cable's deformation capacity is limited. Therefore, use caution during normal operation and avoid pulling it to the extreme end every time.
I've seen many cases where the handbrake won't engage, with the most common faults being overly loose or broken handbrake cables. Cables can stretch and lose tension with age; in winter, freezing temperatures below zero make them even harder to pull, requiring a thaw to inspect properly. During inspection, first check if anything is obstructing the handbrake lever—failed lever springs or loose adjustment nuts are also frequent culprits. Safe driving is crucial—a faulty handbrake can lead to dangerous rollaways, especially on slopes. Don’t neglect regular maintenance; it’s recommended to have a mechanic check the cable’s flexibility and lubrication every two years or 20,000 kilometers. If issues arise, don’t force it—promptly visit a repair shop for replacement or adjustment. The cost is minimal, but the safety benefits are significant.
Last time my car's handbrake suddenly couldn't be pulled, I found the handbrake cable was too loose. I just opened the center console myself, located the adjustment nut and tightened it - quite simple. When the cable rusted, adding some engine oil for lubrication improved it. Although rarely used in automatic transmission cars, the handbrake must be reliable when parking. Usually pay attention to choosing level ground for parking to reduce handbrake load; develop the good habit of checking if the car is stable after applying the handbrake. Solving minor issues yourself saves money and builds skills, but don't experiment with serious problems like lever damage - checking forums or manuals for assistance is better. Safety comes first, don't risk driving problematic cars.
A stuck handbrake could be due to cable slack, lever jamming, or freezing in cold weather. When noticed, immediately park in a safe spot to inspect or take it directly to a repair shop—don't delay to avoid rollaway risks. As a safety-conscious owner, I regularly ask staff to lubricate relevant components during car washes to prevent rust. Always try to park on level ground to reduce stress; address abnormalities like slackness or unusual noises promptly. Safe driving demands perfection in every detail—never cut corners on repairs to avoid bigger troubles.
