dawn Posted March 31, 2016 Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 Good Morning everyone, I am struggling here with this handbrake re-installation. Maybe someone who has done this can help I only have the drawing in the Parts book to go by as Moss and the workshop manual have all used the same one. I'll attach it . I have laid out the handbrake in my shot as I am trying to put it together Its not working , I am missing something really basic here and i cannot see what it is. ( I've tried staring at it ) My question is when you push the button at the top end of the lever it should release the pawl from the ratchet, right? you can see how I have it , thats not going to work. its going to push the pawl Towards the ratchet away from the pawl stop pin you see in the base. Also what is that hole in the top end of the ratchet for? , doesn't show it in the drawing , but another one on ebay has the hole!!? If I've just got something around the wrong way I'd appreciate some input otherwise I'll keep staring until I get it . Thank you all Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AlanT Posted March 31, 2016 Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 This is a "fly-off" handbrake. When you apply it you hold the button to lock it and let the lever go. To release the brake you pull the lever. Reverse of current practice. Somewhat risky really. Known to puzzle MOT inspectors. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steve Priest Posted March 31, 2016 Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 Supposedly for rallying - you can do handbrake turn without accidentally locking it on - not that I've tried... Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dawn Posted March 31, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 (edited) MOT inspectors and Americans . Thank you Alan, Thank you Steve, I can see how it works now. Edited March 31, 2016 by dawn Quote Link to post Share on other sites
peejay4A Posted March 31, 2016 Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 I like my fly-off handbrake even though the 4A arrangement isn't as nice to use at the 4. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted March 31, 2016 Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 Hi Dawn, in your second picture there is a nasty little crack that will need welding before ot does something silly. Follow the chrome handle to the right; the crack is where the black painted metal is. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dawn Posted March 31, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 Hey Roger, I know what you mean jelly bean, from looking at that shot, I cant see it on the handle though!! do you think It may have been paint? I cleaned it up with a blade and took another picture, tell me if you can still see a crack Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dawn Posted March 31, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted March 31, 2016 Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 Hi Dawn, that's good - it must have been a paint flake. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AlanT Posted March 31, 2016 Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 These things have been known to "fly-off" when it's not wanted. Especially if the pawl gets a bit worn. So if you are parking in San Franciso or some such, turn the wheels so they point into the kerb. We all used to do that and leave in reverse gear because British cars traditionally had rubbish handbrakes. I still always park in reverse gear. Used to give my kids a fright when they tried moving my car sometimes. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Alec Pringle Posted March 31, 2016 Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 Must be the best part of 3,000 miles from South Florida to San Francisco, and the same again back . . . . . Some drive - that would make a good article for TR Action, with or without the handbrake failing on a hill . . . . . Cheers Alec Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dawn Posted March 31, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 3,029 miles and if you've ever driven I-10 through Louisiana and Texas you sure wouldn't want to be in a TR4. I like my 'fly away' handbrake now that I know how it works, ( Thank you all for that ) I have fitted a new pawl and pivot pins, I'm going to stick to doing handbrake turns between the coconut trees in Miami. very best regards to you all Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tim Duncan Posted May 17, 2019 Report Share Posted May 17, 2019 Hello - 1964 TR4 owner here. We have had the 4 for many years, but we've never had the hand brake (missing when we purchased it). Does anyone have an idea how we can find one to install? Thanks in advance! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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