Emergency brake handle does not stay up

Maintenance advice to keep your Spider in shape.
mamsterla
Posts: 69
Joined: Sun Nov 26, 2017 10:10 pm
Your car is a: 1969 Fiat 124 Spider AS

Emergency brake handle does not stay up

Postby mamsterla » Fri Dec 22, 2017 12:00 am

I have been restoring my 1969 Fiat 124 Spider and replaced the emergency brake cable and the rear calipers. I have made sure to carefully install the cable and it is good. I tightened the carrier until there is some tension, but the rear brakes are not engaged. When I go into the car and pull the handle, I can hear it ratchet, but it does not lock in place. Is there something I should look at, or should I just plan to replace a worn ratchet. I would like to have a functioning emergency brake (even though I know it kinda stinks).
1969 Fiat 124 Spider AS0012768

klweimer
Posts: 550
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2012 7:45 am
Your car is a: 1982 Spider 2000
Location: Arvada, Colorado

Re: Emergency brake handle does not stay up

Postby klweimer » Fri Dec 22, 2017 8:10 am

The e-brake ratchet handle is pretty simple. I doubt it is actually worn out. You can unbolt the whole assembly from the car and clean it up. I'm guessing the push button mechanism is gummed up and not letting the pawl fully seat in the ratchet teeth. Time for some WD-40.
Kirk

mamsterla
Posts: 69
Joined: Sun Nov 26, 2017 10:10 pm
Your car is a: 1969 Fiat 124 Spider AS

Re: Emergency brake handle does not stay up

Postby mamsterla » Fri Dec 22, 2017 4:55 pm

So do I have to remove the console to do this? I just want to get it all done - I can also use a grinder to clean up the shoulders of the ratchet teeth or pawl if that turns out to contribute.
1969 Fiat 124 Spider AS0012768

User avatar
Odoyle
Posts: 440
Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2014 10:06 pm
Your car is a: 1983 Pinafarina Spider
Location: CA

Re: Emergency brake handle does not stay up

Postby Odoyle » Sat Dec 23, 2017 2:38 am

The button which operates the handbrake is threaded onto a rod inside the handle. It forces tension onto a spring bellow the button, check to see if the spring is seated correctly and go from there.

klweimer
Posts: 550
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2012 7:45 am
Your car is a: 1982 Spider 2000
Location: Arvada, Colorado

Re: Emergency brake handle does not stay up

Postby klweimer » Sat Dec 23, 2017 8:36 am

To unbolt the handle assembly from the driveshaft tunnel, you do have to lift up the rear end of the center console. You might be able to remove one of the seats to get better access to the back end of the console, lift it a few inches and slip an end wrench in on the bolts. Or you can spray the crap out of everything from above with WD-40. I think you can get to most of the mechanism from above with a straw on the can. I'd try that first. And check the spring as Odoyle suggested.
Kirk

mamsterla
Posts: 69
Joined: Sun Nov 26, 2017 10:10 pm
Your car is a: 1969 Fiat 124 Spider AS

Re: Emergency brake handle does not stay up

Postby mamsterla » Sat Dec 23, 2017 4:21 pm

OK. I have the car up on stands so I can get under the car and I can loosen the rear of the console too. I will get the assembly out to examine and clean up.
1969 Fiat 124 Spider AS0012768


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