Handbrake/emergency brake

BMK · #1 (**permalink**) 12-15-2013, 10:30 PM

Hi all,

My handbrake/ emergency brake is failing.

I tighten it up and it holds tension on the ratchet. It clicks up around half way and is tight working well.

Then I find after a few uses it releases tension and I can pull it straight back with no tension on the cables.

I am tightening up the bolt/nut under the brake but think there needs to he something to keep the bolt under tension/tight.

Any thoughts...

1985 CCX · #2 (**permalink**) 12-16-2013, 12:21 PM

Sounds like the lock nut has vanished..........

BMK · #3 (**permalink**) 12-16-2013, 04:49 PM

Thanks will check.

I have not Ben able to get a response from Kirkham M S

motordean · #4 (**permalink**) 12-17-2013, 07:32 AM

I know about 20 Cobra owners...only one that has a working e brake! I use two bricks when I am warming mine up.

BMK · #5 (**permalink**) 12-21-2013, 03:55 AM

motordean

Yes not getting any real response from Kirkham Motor Sport so may end up carrying two bricks....

Mmm would think with all the fancy CNC designed aluminium parts they would have it right..

redmt · #6 (**permalink**) 12-21-2013, 05:39 AM

It was explained to me by a Wilwood dealer that the brake is NOT an EMERGENCY brake. It is considered a PARKING brake and that it would only keep the car from rolling if you leaned against it on FLAT GROUND. It was only to satisfy the safety requirements for a vehicle inspection and nothing more!!

MOTORHEAD · #7 (**permalink**) 12-21-2013, 08:20 AM

Bernie:
I had similar problem. Handbrake lever came up @3-4 notches till rock hard, but no brake.
Found one of the two threaded cable ends at bottom of lever under floor was contacting the frame crossmember, stopping the lever from further movement. Cut about an inch off the threaded portion so lever travel was not restricted. Take a look underneath with the lever pulled back as far as you can get it to go.
Ted

601HP · #8 (**permalink**) 12-21-2013, 08:30 AM

I've had the car almost 20 years. My wife still makes jokes about the parking brake working or not. It mostly hasn't.

David

BMK · #9 (**permalink**) 12-21-2013, 09:48 AM

601hp. Motörhead

Yes this lever just pulls straight up with no tension feels like it is disconnected from the cables....

I need to get it up on the hoist and have someone check what is happening under the car as I pull the lever/handle upwards..

Cheers

MOTORHEAD · #10 (**permalink**) 12-21-2013, 10:54 AM

Bernie:
Sounds like the slack in the cables needs to be taken up at the threaded end (underneath),
then look out for them hitting the crossmember.
Ted

David Kirkham · #11 (**permalink**) 12-21-2013, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMK

Hi all,

My handbrake/ emergency brake is failing.

I tighten it up and it holds tension on the ratchet. It clicks up around half way and is tight working well.

Then I find after a few uses it releases tension and I can pull it straight back with no tension on the cables.

I am tightening up the bolt/nut under the brake but think there needs to he something to keep the bolt under tension/tight.

Any thoughts...

Hmmm. Drop me an email with your address and we will ship you out a new one. We will need the old one back to see what happened.

Thanks!

kirkhammotorsports at gmail

David

David Kirkham · #12 (**permalink**) 12-21-2013, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMK

motordean

Yes not getting any real response from Kirkham Motor Sport so may end up carrying two bricks....

Mmm would think with all the fancy CNC designed aluminium parts they would have it right..

I just read your response here and wondered where you have tried to contact us? I haven't seen anything in our sales email, in my email, or phone messages. Sorry for the problem! We'll send a new handle out.

David

BMK · #13 (**permalink**) 12-22-2013, 01:07 AM

David

Thanks. Yes sent email to your bro.

PM sent.

wkholland · #14 (**permalink**) 08-04-2018, 07:23 AM

I doubt anyone can argue that Kirkham Motorsports does not have the best customer service of any dealer / manufacturer out there. It amazes me that David can run a business of that magnitude and still personally respond to so many requests and issues.

Ezpilot · #15 (**permalink**) 06-02-2023, 12:15 PM

Does anyone have the plans for a E Brake? My Mid States doesn't have one...It's pretty tacky placing a block every time I stop somewhere,,,help!

David Kirkham · #16 (**permalink**) 06-02-2023, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ezpilot

Does anyone have the plans for a E Brake? My Mid States doesn't have one...It's pretty tacky placing a block every time I stop somewhere,,,help!

You will probably need to post this in the main forum (or the Mid States forum) because you have a Mid States car.

The Kirkham (and original Cobras) have a very unique--frame mounted--parking brake handle and assembly. There is a rather complicated bracket that is welded to the cross-member tube that holds the pivot for the parking brake arm. The same bracket also holds the parking brake end of the cables. The cable length and the cable housing lengths are critical to the operation of the parking brake assembly on the calipers.

The throw of the parking brake handle is determined by the handle ratio (the distance of the handle to the pivot point as compared to the distance of the pull arm to the pivot point). All of this has to be coordinated with the throw of the parking brake caliper arm to the movement of the parking brake pads themselves. This also requires the proper set off of the parking brake arm to the rear upright.

It's a pretty involved system that all needs to be coordinated, right down to where the parking brake bracket is welded to the frame. Then everything needs to clear the tunnel and the seat.

My guess is the guys who own Mid States cars will know better where to direct you. I'm sure there are many guys here who will help if they can.

David

Ezpilot · #17 (**permalink**) 06-03-2023, 04:41 AM

Thank you David.