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Handbrake cable under strain

  • 10-09-2015 2:58pm
    #1
    dutopia
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 583 ✭✭✭


    I have a Ford Focus 06 1.6 Automatic.

    Recently I've begun to notice the handbrake cable is making awful straining sounds when parked on any gradient whatsoever (5 degrees, say).

    When I put it into Park and take my foot off the brake, the car moves a little forward or back (depending on the gradient) and the cable is making loud straining noises. it has me paranoid... what happens if it snaps? Will the car move freely even in P? I have an NCT in 2 weeks as well. :rolleyes:


Comments

  • #2
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    Many schools of thought on this but here is mine:
    There is a bit inside the gearbox call the parking pawl. This is what holds the car in park. Too much strain on the pawl isn't good, which will happen if you park on a hill in P only.
    If parking on a hill engage handbrake before moving shifter to P. It's the lurch that's the worst for the pawl.

    On a flat surface you don't need the handbrake. This is the same if you have a manual car, just park in first and leave handbrake off.

    All this said, ask a mechanic to check cable. It may be worn or need lubing - it depends on why it makes that sound, whatever it is.


  • #3
    dutopia
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 583 ✭✭✭dutopia


    biko wrote: »
    Many schools of thought on this but here is mine:
    There is a bit inside the gearbox call the parking pawl. This is what holds the car in park. Too much strain on the pawl isn't good, which will happen if you park on a hill in P only.
    If parking on a hill engage handbrake before moving shifter to P. It's the lurch that's the worst for the pawl.

    On a flat surface you don't need the handbrake. This is the same if you have a manual car, just park in first and leave handbrake off.

    All this said, ask a mechanic to check cable. It may be worn or need lubing - it depends on why it makes that sound, whatever it is.

    Thanks for that. I always put in park before applying the handbrake, so I'll do the opposite from now on. I'm quite sure the straining sound is from the handbrake cable - if I bring the handbrake up the highest level, the straining sound is even worse. I'll have to get it checked out before the NCT :cool:


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