Sprinter Handbrake

[johnb80]

I've just purchased a 2001 313CDi Sprinter, the handbrake is next to useless and as I live on a hill it's a worry for everyone downhill from me

I'm new to Sprinters are there any general issues with the handbrake that I should know about and are there any manuals available.

Thanks in advance - John

 

[mister_cee333]

Hi,
On my 2002 308cdi sprinter the handbrake is operated by a cable operating a separate small pair of handbrake shoes set inside the centre of the rear brake discs. These are adjustable in the same way as any old type brake shoe adjusters... ie turn the adjuster up a bit until wheel not turning then screw back a tad. Its possible to adjust it through the hole of a removed wheel nut but a bit hard to find the adjuster. A decent small torch should do the trick. From memory it sits about 2 o'clock looking at the passenger side hub or about 10 o'clock on the drivers. Remember each is a mirror image of the other and therefore one gets turned the opposite direction from its partner. I had a hopeless handbrake but cured it in half an hour.
Good luck.

 

[johnb80]

Thanks for the info, Ill find a level carpark to have a look at it.

Regards - J

 

[Sprint'n'Go]

Even when they are brand new the handbrake is not brilliant. I always leave it in gear if the slope is more than a motorway incline. I think the problem is probably caused by the shoes going a bit manky and the inside if the disc/drum rusting as they never get polished in use like the regular brakes.

once you have adjusted the shoes you can also remove excess slack from the cable with the adjuster where the cable splits into two.

 

[johnb80]

Hi,
I was a little concerned because there is a lot of handbrake movement (almost becomes a drivers arm rest!) and on the first day I'd got it I applied the handbrake as I normally would. I always leave vehicles in gear, sat inside having a cuppa I noticied it move. I ran outside and watched and about every 90 seconds it pulled the engine over compression. Another click on the handbrake had it holding solid but there's a lot of tension on the brake and I fear the cable going twang and the vehicle running off downhill.

Regards - J

 

[darylp]

Sprinter handbrake cable adjuster Sprinter 311 CDi 2002

Can some kind soul please describe (or post a jpeg) of the handbrake cable adjuster ?

I know it is simple, the garage slackened it off in about 20secs, but they took it back too far...
Can I find it, can I buggery.....

Thanks in advance... :Oops:

 

[leetheedge]

http://youtu.be/lEdmsi_xtkc

hope this helps

 

[Nomanuel]

Handbrake brakeshoe adj

R reg Sprinter 310D
Remove one wheel stud (back wheel). Jack wheel off the ground. On the nearside wheel the adjuster is at 9 on the clock. If using a torch I found it best to have the torch positioned on my temple at eye level.
The adjuster is the usual cog type. To tighten turn from left to right.
On the offside wheel the adjuster is at 3 on the clock. About 5min each wheel if all goes well.
The hub does hold a lot of brake dust which may cause poor performance. To remove the hub has to come off.
Hope someone finds this useful.

 

[Lesley H]

Handbrake adjustment

Help, can anyone tell me how I know when my handbrake is sufficiently adjusted to pass the MOT for a commercial vehicle?

The handbrake holds my sprinter based horsebox on a hill (loaded with precious cargo) but can't pass the MOT ?????