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Handbrake Cable for rear disc brake conversion
Posted: 20 Jan 2021, 18:35
by steveo9007
Im going to be doing the rear disc conversion, straight to the point is there a handbrake cable that is used when doing this conversion, not interested in the politics of drums vs disc. Just the info on the vehicle i get a handbrake cable from. Cheers
Re: Handbrake Cable for rear disc brake conversion
Posted: 20 Jan 2021, 19:29
by hubcap61
I used standard T25 cables (new ) . Carefully cut the springs off them. Then fitted a sleeve (approx. 50mm) on the handbrake rod to take up the slack at balancer bar. I take it you are using VW Golf calipers? Cables will fit straight on caliper. I also used a couple of P clips to locate cables to underside of suspension arms. Sailed MOT brake test on 3 clicks.
Re: Handbrake Cable for rear disc brake conversion
Posted: 20 Jan 2021, 19:33
by steveo9007
hubcap61 wrote: ↑20 Jan 2021, 19:29
I used standard T25 cables (new ) . Carefully cut the springs off them. Then fitted a sleeve (approx. 50mm) on the handbrake rod to take up the slack at balancer bar. I take it you are using VW Golf calipers? Cables will fit straight on caliper. I also used a couple of P clips to locate cables to underside of suspension arms. Sailed MOT brake test on 3 clicks.
Yeah am using 38mm callipers from the Golf MK3, and my handbrake cable are new aswell. Thanks for that tip, i have been doing some searching and i did see a picture of someone doing that with a sleeve on the handbrake rod.
Re: Handbrake Cable for rear disc brake conversion
Posted: 20 Jan 2021, 19:39
by hubcap61
Yeah, pretty straight forward. Have to be careful when cutting springs off. I used a dremmel and slowly cut through without melting the inner cable coating.
Re: Handbrake Cable for rear disc brake conversion
Posted: 20 Jan 2021, 19:41
by steveo9007
hubcap61 wrote: ↑20 Jan 2021, 19:39
Yeah, pretty straight forward. Have to be careful when cutting springs off. I used a dremmel and slowly cut through without melting the inner cable coating.
OK will do, comes in handy them dremmel's..
Re: Handbrake Cable for rear disc brake conversion
Posted: 20 Jan 2021, 20:04
by hubcap61
Now I come to think about it, I used 3 sleeves when fitting, one on each cable outer sleeve before they fit into crossmember and one on rod. If I get a dry spell tomorrow I'll take a couple of pictures. It's been a 4 -5 years since I did the conversion.
Re: Handbrake Cable for rear disc brake conversion
Posted: 20 Jan 2021, 20:06
by steveo9007
Ok I guess it’s all about the balance bar really and being able to keep the cables slightly tense so they not biting but also not loose enough to drop out
Re: Handbrake Cable for rear disc brake conversion
Posted: 20 Jan 2021, 20:13
by hubcap61
Yeah, the other 2 sleeves keep the outer cable just right. It was a bit trial and error when I did my conversion. I can measure what I fitted if helpful.
Re: Handbrake Cable for rear disc brake conversion
Posted: 20 Jan 2021, 20:20
by steveo9007
that would be ideal cheers.
Re: Handbrake Cable for rear disc brake conversion
Posted: 20 Jan 2021, 20:25
by hubcap61
No problem, I'll try and get pics and measurements tomorrow afternoon.
Re: Handbrake Cable for rear disc brake conversion
Posted: 21 Jan 2021, 11:37
by hubcap61
Hi, just taken measurements, Sleeve length on cables 75mm & sleeve length on rod 60mm.
Picture is sleeve on cable before crossmember. I used 15mm copper pipe on cables. Fits inside rubber housing nicely.
This has worked faultlessly for the last 4-5 years. There may be another way of doing this (for the online experts!) but it works for me.
Re: Handbrake Cable for rear disc brake conversion
Posted: 21 Jan 2021, 11:50
by steveo9007
Cheers for this, that’s done on both cables then correct. And as long as it works then it’s good enough for me.
Re: Handbrake Cable for rear disc brake conversion
Posted: 21 Jan 2021, 11:53
by hubcap61
Yeah, same on both cables. Good luck with upgrade.
Re: Handbrake Cable for rear disc brake conversion
Posted: 21 Jan 2021, 11:54
by steveo9007
Cool cheers, got a few more bits to get like 38mm calipers and sliders, and then doing it. Much appreciated for this info
Re: Handbrake Cable for rear disc brake conversion
Posted: 21 Jan 2021, 12:15
by hubcap61
I used mk4 golf calipers. You have to use the flat caliper carrier not the offset ones. Mk3 golf, some mk4 golfs and early A3 & A4 all use the flat caliper carrier.
