18-10-2023, 04:38 PM
Hi Rupert
One likely explanation for poor uncoupled front handbrake performance is the pivot at the bottom of the handbrake bracket. Three possible areas of wear: the pins, the pivot and the bracket itself. The pins can be a loose fit due to wear, the pivot also wears. Replacements for both of these are available from our cherished suppliers. But also the holes in the bracket can get enlarged and will need welding up and re-drilling.
It may also be possible that the ratchet is the wrong one. Later coupled brake cars have a different ratchet but can be erroneously fitted to early cars.
Finally don’t be tempted to shorten the stop on the gearbox which holds the ratchets. It’s there to prevent the handbrake hitting the fabric coupling!
Cheers
Howard
One likely explanation for poor uncoupled front handbrake performance is the pivot at the bottom of the handbrake bracket. Three possible areas of wear: the pins, the pivot and the bracket itself. The pins can be a loose fit due to wear, the pivot also wears. Replacements for both of these are available from our cherished suppliers. But also the holes in the bracket can get enlarged and will need welding up and re-drilling.
It may also be possible that the ratchet is the wrong one. Later coupled brake cars have a different ratchet but can be erroneously fitted to early cars.
Finally don’t be tempted to shorten the stop on the gearbox which holds the ratchets. It’s there to prevent the handbrake hitting the fabric coupling!
Cheers
Howard