Skip to content
Aussieveedubbers

Handbrake not clicking

1 like
Share Share on Facebook Share on X Share on Reddit

Purple Martin Fahrvergnugen

913 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·

#360570
My Beetle's handbrake doesn't click and stay on. The button on the handle also comes out (with the long stiff wire with a half-loop on the end). So I think it's come "undone" at the clicker/ratchet mechanism. Here is a pic of a round-end bit of metal haning loose under the handle... how do I fix it?

1959 red & white Beetle
1975 Kombi camper

Chewy Fahrvergnugen

889 posts · joined Jul 2004 ·

#360606
Kind of hard to explain but that half loop in the wire needs to fit around that round ended bit of metal there.
You need to pull up on the handbrake until the round ended bit of metal clears the ratchet so you can spin it around.
When the round ended end of the metal peice is up inside the handbrake lever the half loop in the wire needs to be put over it. then just press in the button and lower the lever.
.

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#360644
thats correct Chewy...

I believe it only happens [to me at least] when the handbrake needs adjusting....

If You don't have any more thread to adjust the stretched handbrake cables place a larger size nut or a few flat washers under the nut.......
that will keep You going until You replace the brake cables....

Lee

http://community.webshots.com/user/vw68autobug
- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,785 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#360647
once you have it back together again adjust your brakes and make sure your hand brak come on with only 3 of 4 clicks.

What has happened is caused by pulling the hand brake too far up before the brake takes hold.

If you adjust the brakes correctly and it is still to much pull then it is in the cable. There is some adjustment there
Futue te ipsum!!!

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#360744
Here is a diagram of the handbrake....

The hand brake should only need a few clicks to have the brakes ON.... too much....
due to - brake linings worn too much or cables have stretched.....

As someone said adjust the rear brakes first then do the hand brake.....

I hope this helps...

Lee

http://community.webshots.com/user/vw68autobug

1 attachment · Log in to view

- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

Purple Martin Fahrvergnugen

913 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·

#360794
That all makes good sense, thanks guys! I should be able to fix it now 😎
1959 red & white Beetle
1975 Kombi camper