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Megane MK2 Handbrake

4K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  hondo 
#1 ·
My Brother as a Mk2 (53) Megane hatchback.

The Handbrake on it keeps knocking the adjustment off, after reading up a bit it seems like there could be a good chance that someone as forced the Rear Pistons in instead of Winding them back in..

Is there anything that can be done with these or is it a case of buying new and binning the ones on his car?

Thanks
Stu
 
#2 · (Edited)
I assume manual handbrake.

Do you mean that they are not self adjusting?

With cables on and handbrake off, do return arms sit on stops?
If not, are cables free?

Drop cables, make sure arms are returning to stops and aren't floppy
They may or may not have external springs, some including refurbs by TRW don't, they have internal springs.
Remove calipers and ensure that the piston moves with the arms and the arms return fully.
Should be direct coupled with no free play.
Make sure enough meat left on the pads, couple of mm at least though I think the book says more. And that pads are moving freely, not stuck.
Wind pistons in, at least one full turn but preferably more and recheck movement of arms.

If all seems okay it' a refit job, if not, new(or refurb) caliper(s)
If refitting existing, I'd wind em back all the way and re-set to pads by winding back out. Take cap off fluid resevoir and jam a rag around/under to catch fluid if pushed out. And it's often easier to wind em back with the bleed nipple open.
You'll need to top up fluid and bleed brakes but I find the Scenic needs rebleeding anyway when the pistons are wound back.
When you wind piston back out to suit pads take it to a snug fit. If you over extend the piston, wind it back in at least a turn (or more) to reset and then wind back out.
You shouldn't have them but if there are a couple of pips on the back of the pads, set the piston so they sit in the cross on the piston head.
Touch of copper slip n sliding parts of the pads, refit caliper, bleed brakes, fit handbrake cable last and do not operate hanbrake/lever arm until brakes have been taken up on footbrake.

Sorry, may be teaching you to suck eggs.
And in answer to your original question.
Yes you can rebuild calipers yourself but it's fiddly and you need to get the parts, if they've been forced back thats the whole internal adjust system. Easier and safer to get exchange refirbs IMO
 
#3 ·
If a lot of force has been applied in an attempt to push the pistons back it's probably caused some damage to the ratchet mechanism housed within the pistons.
You can buy new pistons which should cure the problem but given the age of the car the calipers are probably past their best with regards to the handbrake mechanism as this tends to seizes up with age.

As Dancingdad said replacement calipers are probably your best option.

You can go down the 2nd hand route but given the price of remanufactured calipers these days I would go with them.

Check out ebay as the best prices can be found on there.


Cheers.
 
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#4 ·
Thanks guys for the replies its appreciated :cool:

I have tried what you said pretty much already Dancingdad so it looks like its going to be a set of new Calipers then, the tight little git will have to get his hand in his pocket :d

I wasn't sure if you could rebuild them but as you say if they are too fiddly then a new pair of complete Callipers make more sense..


TTT as you say second hand may be a bit of a gamble and if they are knackered by time you have finished messing around its not going to be worth it.

Thanks to both of you again for the help..

Stu
 
#5 ·
Reconditioned exchange units are IMO best value and safest short of brand new units.
I'm a tight git when it comes to giving Renault my money.

My experience is to use a local motor factor rather then ebay. I've had to replace three on my beasty (One leaking, One bleed nipple glued in by earlier owner and one to keep electronics happy on Electronic parking brake) and every time, despite reg check etc, the wrong units have turned up.

Hate to have been sorting that out via post
 
#6 · (Edited)
While I get your point about receiving the wrong parts there are some massive savings to be made by buying from companies on ebay and you should have no trouble if you order the correct parts.

The trick is not to rely on other people to tell you what's fitted to your car....you need to tell them what's fitted to it!....Granted you can't do this for every part but when you can you should as you probably know your car better than anyone else.

Take the brake calipers for example, many cars will have the option of two types, say Lucas or Bendix...so take a look to see what your car has then order the correct ones...never mind what the parts bloke tells you.

If you adopt this method with mail order you shouldn't have any problems...I never have.



Cheers.
 
#7 ·
Whole heartedly agree TTT.
Except if it goes wrong :crazy:
My usual approach with ebay buying is as you say to make sure that it's the right part as best as I can, then message them asking them to confirm and if possible, find someone local to me so I can pick up.
However, when under the pump with an expired MOT, options get limited and murphy's law applies:devil:
 
#8 ·
Oh aye, if you need a part in a hurry go local everytime, a bird in the hand & all that...

Nowt worse than waiting for your part to turn up either...I'm sure the postman thinks I fancy him or something...the way I watch him walk along the street & the joy on my face when he gives me the package :eek: :d


Cheers.
 
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