Handbrake Issues

[Guest sara]

Hi.

Just found this site, and wonder if any of you have had problems with the handbrake on Ford Focus Zetec. I have just brought a new (03) plate Zetec, and have had problems with the handbrake failing when on. Fords deny there is a problem, yet have tightened it as a precaution... the precaution was too late as the car ended up in the front of my house as the handbrake failed. Most cars you get resistance at about 3,4, 5 clicks.. on this car, you don;t get resistance until about 8, 9 clicks and even when on fully the car moves. Yet ford say this is acceptable and refuse to pay for the damage. Biggest concern is that if this happens in a croweded area, someone could get killed or injured.. Yes the handbrake was on fully, as the drive is on a slope, and you couldn't get out the car without it being on...... If anyone has had the same problem, I would be most gratfull to hear from you...... Many thanks

[Guest JIMSTDI]

my 2.0l ghia done about 6 clicks

but my wifes 1.6 zetec auto 51 plate does about 8 clicks also

does seem like fords should hold there hands up on this

[Ivor_E_Tower]

Always leave the car in gear - unless parked in your garage or on flat ground when it may freeze!

I suggest that 8-9 clicks would constitute an MOT failure through excessive movement being required to operate the handbrake. Ford will probably say that the reason you have insurance is to pay for such damage, and that you were negligent in failing to ensure that the handbrake was applied properly.

How much to you want to spend fighting them? You will need an independent engineer's assessment/report on the handbrake operation NOW before any repair work is undertaken, plus legal representation (do you have any through your insurance and/or breakdown cover?)

Good luck.

[Guest JIMSTDI]

i have spoke to fords on what they fill the number of clicks the handbrake should do

 

and i was quite shocked when they said 10-12 i like alot of us thought more round 6-8 clicks

 

 

james

[Guest SHAUNBAT]

What a shock as i saw this web page of all the replys on this handbrake failure and thats what it is FORD FAILURE As mine is y redg 2001 i thought well it must be the newer ones the awnser is NO it isnt mine does 7-9 clicks 10 if i pull a little harder and what i hight of the handel lol i thought this must be sorted due to its mot this weekend 10-4-04 i thought i would try this out on a empty road at 30mph away from any cars people and on the flat 30 time to pull !!!!!! up it came and still i was going a little slower no gas and still going it must of took about 100 yrds to come to a complete stop this is the first car i have ever had were the handbrake handle travels so far and ford say its ok watchdog you need to get on the ford case again regarding this before sumone is killed or badly injured with this sloppy workmanship

[Guest Andy]

providing the self adjusters are working correctly in the drums,the ford technical information system recommends 5-7 clicks.........

:lol: :P :lol: :P