Handbrake release button missing - will that fail an NCT?

Col200sx

Basically the plastic cover on the other half's car is missing.

The handbrake still functions perfectly, but it's just the button cover missing, exposing the metal behind it.

Will this fail an NCT?

(am thinking the tester could think it's "sharp", but it's not at all).

Atlantic Dawn

Doesn't mention it as part of the handbrake test, you might be ok but if it was me I would have it fixed beforehand. A retest should only be visual if it needs to go back so might be worth chancing it.

SERVICE BRAKE OPERATION
(Inspection inside the Vehicle)
Method of Testing
1. For hydraulic systems, fully depress the pedal and keep it depressed under a steady pressure. Note whether the pedal tends to creep down.
2. For hydraulic systems release the handbrake, depress the pedal and note the extent of travel of the brake pedal and whether there is sponginess.
3. On some vehicles the action of the brakes is assisted by vacuum from the engine. In such cases deplete the vacuum by applying the service brake a number of times with the engine switched off. Fully apply the service brake, start the engine and note whether the pedal can be felt to dip.
4. If the vehicle is fitted with a brake anti-lock system, check the warning lamp.

biko

Put it through, it's just a visual if it fails (which I'd be surprised if it did).

Col200sx

Cheers folks. Will do so.

Was having trouble tracking down one at short notice, most breakers wanted to sell the whole handbrake together for silly money :rolleyes:

slimjimmc

Can't see anything in the NCT manual which even hints at the parking brake lever to have all it's covers. The only checks are for parking brake performance and balance, none of which could be affected by a bit of plastic trim unless it's too painful to use.

griffdaddy

Could you make some kind of homemade cover to hide it just in case?

Col200sx

Ended up finally getting through to the dealer in question. They weren't answering phones all morning.

Got one ordered for a few €

Atlantic Dawn

Col200sx wrote: »

Ended up finally getting through to the dealer in question. They weren't answering phones all morning.

Got one ordered for a few €

While you are waiting for the part search the web for exactly how to replace it. Had one on a Golf before and was slightly discoloured so was going to replace, when I looked at the work involved it was huge, basically had to strip lots of panels out of the car around the handbrake to gain access, decided to live with it for the sack of purely a cosmetic issue, hopefully easier in your case.

Indricotherium

Col200sx wrote: »

Cheers folks. Will do so.

Was having trouble tracking down one at short notice, most breakers wanted to sell the whole handbrake together for silly money :rolleyes:

In all fairness, being left with the rest of the handbrake is not much use to them.

Col200sx

Indricotherium wrote: »

In all fairness, being left with the rest of the handbrake is not much use to them.

True. But I'd asked had he any spurious ones about from any ones, as I'd say many are inter-changable.

I think it was more his attitude really. He's a well known breaker in Galway that's had an attitude problem for a long time

(Don't worry, I won't name his place).