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Handbrake question

Discuss your latest mods or ideas, and anything to do with the BMW X5 (E53).
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DeeNuttyDJ
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Handbrake question

Post by DeeNuttyDJ » Mon Nov 04, 2024 12:21 am

Hello all! So it’s coming to that time of year need to get the car sorted for next years MOT
My handbrake efficiency is crap, we have replaced the shoes and new disks and pads.
However we think the cables may be rather stretched
I’m on here to ask if there’s more then one
I.e is there one from handbrake mech, In the middle and then connection to the drum side or is it all one cable ?

If anyone has any links mines the
E53 3.0 diesel 06 plate

Kind regards
Andrew

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Alan Gunn
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Handbrake question

Post by Alan Gunn » Mon Nov 04, 2024 6:11 am

Have you looked in realoem parts catalog it will show you and give you the correct part number.
Just enter the last 7 of your VIN number.
https://www.realoem.com/

DeeNuttyDJ
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Handbrake question

Post by DeeNuttyDJ » Mon Nov 04, 2024 9:24 am

Thanks for that I’ll have a look once I’m home from work

Cheers :)

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X5Sport
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Handbrake question

Post by X5Sport » Mon Nov 04, 2024 5:53 pm

Two Bowden cables from the lever to each drum. Adjuster nuts at the lever end of each.
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henrym3
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Handbrake question

Post by henrym3 » Wed Nov 06, 2024 9:13 pm

My x5 handbrake has always been crap, always passes MOT but I still think it’s crap. Really struggles to hold the car on anything other than a gentle slope and the car will move if D or R is selected. Therefore always parked in D. By contrast the e46 would hold if parked on the side wall of the house.

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Alan Gunn
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Handbrake question

Post by Alan Gunn » Thu Nov 07, 2024 5:15 am

Why park in D and not P.
I never use the handbrake it's pointless.
Same on my MB and that has the exact same setup drum/disc and the adjuster exactly same.

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henrym3
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Handbrake question

Post by henrym3 » Thu Nov 07, 2024 12:14 pm

I suppose it’s a physiological habit I got into when I chased an Austin Cambridge down the road about 60 years ago after I had jumped out to get some sheep back in the field. 12 years old, decisions decisions.

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X5-D-Sport
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Handbrake question

Post by X5-D-Sport » Sun Nov 10, 2024 7:50 pm

I have also replaced the rear drum shoes, adjusted them up in the drums, THEN at the handbrake itself...
never had any luck with it... absolutely sodding useless & never used it since.

Landrover Discovery 1 has an upgrade whereby you fit a DISK BRAKE at the end of the gearbox on the prop flange.... & a tiny calliper in a bracket... & it makes an amazing hand brake for about £150, that can lock up the rear wheels easily & securely for parking...

I wonder if it is possibly to make up a kit to do this task ? and whether anyone would actually buy it ?.... such as a small bracket & a small Vauxhall Corsa Disk & calliper....
the Discovery Mk1 & Mk2 handbrake issues was instantly solved with this fix from a 4x4 after-market parts supplier....

Penny for your thoughts

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X5Sport
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Handbrake question

Post by X5Sport » Sun Nov 10, 2024 9:25 pm

Just never pull it on whilst in motion. It tends to be followed by two loud metallic ‘pings’ as the half-shafts snap. Well known on military LRs of a few decades ago. Several of my ex-military colleagues managed it!!
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henrym3
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Handbrake question

Post by henrym3 » Mon Nov 11, 2024 4:30 pm

Those LRs could still be rocking back and forward as you were walking away. I swear I could hear the half shaft screaming in pain. However the general attitude was that was the REMEs problem.

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X5Sport
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Handbrake question

Post by X5Sport » Mon Nov 11, 2024 6:22 pm

Ah. Rough Engineering Made Easy. Big hammer and a screwdriver will fix anything :D

I have a number of ex-REME friends. None are allowed near my cars - just saying :P
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henrym3
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Handbrake question

Post by henrym3 » Mon Nov 11, 2024 6:45 pm

I would agree, always had a good selection of hammers. Great people. Never seemed to get the credit they deserved for keeping some ropey kit moving.

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