Hi guys

After a 4 mile drive back home last night I pulled up on my driveway and the handbrake bent to the right, I lowered the gaiter and could see the metal has split down one side on the passengers side causing the handbrake to bend towards the right drivers side and the little handbrake button bits plastic coming off. 

Has anyone had this before with handbrake bending are easy to replace?.

Thanks

Remove and repair, probably a pop rivet or self tapper will do the trick

The metal has spilt down the side

I've replaced a few due to the ratchet wearing out, but never seen one bend.

Most awkward part is removing the centre console.

26 minutes ago, madman said:

The metal has spilt down the side

Or a bit of welding👍

First time ever I've had a handbrake bend. The metal split on passengers side just under the black plastic hand brake grip. 

Does the silver centre console cover pop off on ti vct under handbrake looks like there is grooves in plastics on centre console.

How long did it take you Tom and is it possible to do it myself. 

Thanks guys

Too many handbrake turns I reckon!

 

Easily doable yourself.  The section around the gaiter just pulls out to adjust the handbrake, but I don't think there's enough access to replace the lever through there.  Took the full centre console out when I did it.  Couple of screws behind the arm rest, couple in front of the gear lever, one under the cup holders iirc.  (May be a few others I've forgotten).  Would set aside a couple of hours for doing it the first time.

Thanks for quick replys guys. 

Don't do handbrake turns not a boy racer.

Do you think that could be welded that split it is it too close to the top near plastic

The dirt is under the plastic cover, only when pulled that off it was exposed

 

Not much of a valeter either...  

Dirt was under handbrake centre console cover 

Could that be welded

4 minutes ago, madman said:

Dirt was under handbrake centre console cover 

Could that be welded

You can buy used ones for under £20 on eBay.  I doubt you'll find a welder getting out of bed for that.

mk2 focus handbrake lever for sale | eBay

I rang up breakers he said about 20 quid. I did enquire about welding it and he said with the heat, and sparks and the location  he have to be removed and onto a bench and for 20 quid might as well get breakers or eBay. 

Looking at centre console where all the bolts. I can see 2 bolts above gear leaver, a screw on each side roughly where clutch pedal is. Can't see any screw in my cup holders or coin tray. Found 4 screws back arm rest under flapping ash tray.

 

It's loose now centre console found 2 bolts under ash tray, just got to manoeuvre it over the car gear stick

How the hell do you remove the centre console all bolts are off. Doesn't seem enough room to get it over the handbrake

Leave the section around the handbrake loose (don't take it with the console) then 'post' it through the gap as you lift off the console.

It's in one whole piece from just above gear lever bolts to ash tray at the rear

14 hours ago, madman said:

It's in one whole piece from just above gear lever bolts to ash tray at the rear

Sorry, it must have been at least 5 years ago when I did it on a Mk2 and I just can't remember how now.  I really don't remember it being that awkward though.  

Can you slide it back slightly to move it away from the dash, then lift up the front at an angle, then lift the whole thing upwards still at an angle, moving it forwards just past the end of the handbrake lever at the same time?  The gear gaiter should just get pushed back through.  I thought the handbrake surround did as well but may be confusing that with another car now.  If that's not possible, can you give us any more idea on where it's getting caught?

I might have to prop up back half of centre console up on the air and remove handbrake from back seat area.

On MK2 focus does only mk2 handbrakes fit it or can other models do ie MK1, MK2, Mk 2.5.  

Thanks

Mk2.5 should fit.  Mk1 won't fit.

Does anyone have an advice how to tighten the handbrake? Ford Focus MK3.5, 2011. How can I access the adjustment bolt?

What do you mean by tighten?

Or do you mean adjust?

 

With the Z shaped lever on Mk3 it is an unusual design.  First you have to remove the cupholders for access.  Then you'll see a hole in the back of the handbrake lever - that's where the 13mm adjustment nut is.  You can't actually see the nut, but it is there.

Hi guys

I got a handbrake for 15 quid it's in good condition with the little black switch on side. 

Do you think it's possible to change it on a driveway with a slope? Dont want it going thru my house wall. I've got block of wood under the wheels now just incase they old one fails.

Thanks

1 hour ago, madman said:

Hi guys

I got a handbrake for 15 quid it's in good condition with the little black switch on side. 

Do you think it's possible to change it on a driveway with a slope? Dont want it going thru my house wall. I've got block of wood under the wheels now just incase they old one fails.

Thanks

As long as it's in gear it shouldn't roll but definitely keep the block of wood there.  Might accidentally knock it out of gear while manoeuvring the centre console.