Handbrake - Ford S-Max

creedp

I've just been told that the handbrake on my 2008 s-max has folded and according to the local Ford Dealer which my wife went to the full mechanism requires replacing. For some reason a price wasn't given for this work and I will have to get back to them quickly as the car is required for a driving text on Friday - typical! Any pointers on what is normally required following a handbrake failure on these? I know I provided no detail of the work involved (as I don't know myself!) but is there any common fault with these handbrakes that people are aware of?

martinr5232

There is a little cable in the handle that you pull up can break so you are unable to release the handbrake.

Its common enough on these bit of time involved in fitting it.

creedp

martinr5232 wrote: »

There is a little cable in the handle that you pull up can break so you are unable to release the handbrake.

Its common enough on these bit of time involved in fitting it.

Thanks for that. I'm getting conflicting messages from my wife about what the problem is. She said the mechanic told her that the cable was broken but then followed this up by saying you'll need a complete new handbrake mechanism. I've been trying to get a hold of him to find out exactly what is wrong. I would assume a pretty serious different in cost between replacing a simple cable and the whole handbrake mechanism.

martinr5232

creedp wrote: »

Thanks for that. I'm getting conflicting messages from my wife about what the problem is. She said the mechanic told her that the cable was broken but then followed this up by saying you'll need a complete new handbrake mechanism. I've been trying to get a hold of him to find out exactly what is wrong. I would assume a pretty serious different in cost between replacing a simple cable and the whole handbrake mechanism.

Its likely the cable in the mechanism thats broke but its not available seperately you need to replace the whole thing.

if its only the button that is broken that can be got seperate.

creedp

martinr5232 wrote: »

Its likely the cable in the mechanism thats broke but its not available seperately you need to replace the whole thing.

if its only the button that is broken that can be got seperate.

Thanks. Having spoken to the garage and without seeing it myself it seems that it is the cable but as you say the whole mechanism then needs to be replaced- a nice little earner! Being told an hour and a half labour and parts will come to €260. Given that it must be fixed by Thursday I'm going to have to go ahead and take the hit.

087.k.doyle

Hey the same happened to our and I went to halfords and got a cable and made up myself. Took a bit of time but still working over a year later. Ford should be able to sell the cable.

087.k.doyle

Hey the same happened to our and I went to halfords and got a cable and made up myself. Took a bit of time but still working over a year later. Ford should be able to sell the cable.