Why is the handbrake not holding tight?
4 Answers
The handbrake cannot hold even when pulled to the top. You can adjust the tension wheel yourself, and slightly rub the drum after installation. More information about the handbrake is as follows: 1. Overview: The parking brake, commonly known as the handbrake, functions to provide resistance to the car when parked, preventing it from rolling. The parking brake, also known as the handbrake or the parking gear in automatic transmissions, locks the drive shaft or rear wheels. The force of the parking brake is much less than that of the service brake, just enough to prevent the car from rolling on a slope. 2. Others: The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB: Electrical Park Brake) integrates the temporary braking during driving and the long-term braking after parking, and realizes the parking brake through electronic control. The electronic handbrake is a technology that realizes parking braking through electronic control. Its working principle is the same as that of the mechanical handbrake, both of which use the friction between the brake disc and the brake pads to achieve parking braking, except that the control method has changed from the previous mechanical handbrake lever to an electronic button.
I’ve been having the same issue with my car recently, and the loose handbrake is quite annoying. The main reason is the aging of the handbrake cable, which has stretched excessively, making it feel slack and ineffective when pulled. Additionally, excessive wear on the brake pads can cause this issue, as the reduced contact surface makes it easier for the car to roll when parked. I tried adjusting the cable screw myself, and it helped a bit, but you have to be careful not to overtighten it to avoid damaging the mechanism. Avoid pulling the handbrake too hard in daily use, as it accelerates component wear. It’s better to get a professional inspection at a repair shop, where they can measure the gaps with proper tools. Regular maintenance of the braking system, including the handbrake, is essential—don’t wait for problems to arise before addressing them, as this can save on repair costs.
I've seen many similar cases when repairing cars. The handbrake not holding tight is usually caused by a loose handbrake cable or excessive wear on the brake discs, where insufficient resistance leads to slipping. Simply put, it's a mechanical deviation - something's wrong with components like the connecting rod or adjustment screw. Never ignore this issue, as parking on slopes with a slipping handbrake is extremely dangerous. I recommend first testing if it holds on flat ground. If not, immediately take it to a repair shop for technicians to thoroughly inspect the system or replace components. DIY adjustment is possible if you know basic tool operations. Regularly checking brake fluid levels and overall performance can prevent related issues and ensure safe driving.
I think the handbrake not holding tight is mostly due to loose cables or worn brake pads. When parking, choose a flat spot and avoid steep slopes to prevent the car from rolling. You can do a simple check to see if the cable is stuck, but don't disassemble it randomly as it's easy to damage. If it needs professional attention, go to a specialist shop as soon as possible and don't delay.
