Pulling hand brake "too hard"?

[PlayerOne]

sister in law has been complaining about me driving her car, because I pull in the handbrake when parking. I've always had this habit because 1. I was taught this way; and 2. It's better (cheaper) to stress (damage) the brakes than the parking pawl in the transmission. Another complain is that I pull the handbrakes "too hard", which she claims it's damaging it. When I ask her why and explain why, she gets frustrated and can't give me an explaination.

Could someone direct me to some websites that I could show the sister in law? perhaps stating how much it would cost to replace a damaged handbrake part (I'm assuming the wire is the weakest link), and the cost to replace/repair a transmission

Thanks

[gman]

sister in law has been complaining about me driving her car, because I pull in the handbrake when parking. I've always had this habit because 1. I was taught this way; and 2. It's better (cheaper) to stress (damage) the brakes than the parking pawl in the transmission. Another complain is that I pull the handbrakes "too hard", which she claims it's damaging it. When I ask her why and explain why, she gets frustrated and can't give me an explaination.

Could someone direct me to some websites that I could show the sister in law? perhaps stating how much it would cost to replace a damaged handbrake part (I'm assuming the wire is the weakest link), and the cost to replace/repair a transmission

Thanks

It is her car. Follow her 'house rule'. Otherwise, don't drive her car.

[darek_dade]

There's no such thing as pulling the handbrake too hard. She probably can't pull it down when she sits behind the wheel after you and that's her real problem.

[IntegrationByParts]

There's no such thing as pulling the handbrake too hard. She probably can't pull it down when she sits behind the wheel after you and that's her real problem.
+1. Every females' car I've sat in does not have the handbrake pulled up very far.

[ES_Revenge]

LOL too hard. If you don't pull it hard enough it's not going to do a damn thing for you, particularly on cars with rear drums or drum-in-hat parking brakes which often require quite a bit of brake handle (or pedal) travel to engage the rear shoes properly.

Also if you don't use enough travel regularly you aren't moving the mechanism enough which can lead to problems later when you do put enough travel on the mechanism (either by someone else driving it or just by "accident" or whatever), because in this case it might seize in the applied position.

Funny enough a few other people have tried to tell me this utter nonsense about pulling the park brake "too hard"... Notably, all of them of the female variety :rolleyes: Usually the explanation is how I'm going to "stretch" the park brake cable :lol: LMAO. These are people that have never even seen a parking brake cable outside of their imagination mind you--on most cars it's strong enough that you could pretty much connect the cable between two cars and have one tow the other car with the cable.

People not using the park brake is a big peeve for me too. I hate it when you take your car to a shop somewhere and when they park the car before giving it back to you, they don't bother to apply the parking brake despite the fact that it's the way you gave it to them :rolleyes: I know why they do this (the same if-it's-not-used-it-might-seize reasoning) but they could at least remember it was applied when you gave it to them, apply it again when they park it.

On another note about foot parking brakes, most of these are designed so that you can "bottom it out" normally/safely as that's the way the mechanism is designed to work.

It is possible to pull a handbrake parking brake too high and get it stuck or cause other problems, but that requires both a good bit of force and is usually pretty obvious that you're overdoing it.

The pawl in the transmission may not be expensive per se, but the labour to correct the problem may be extensive, meaning it could be quite a bit of money in the end to R&R it. The loading on the transmission however will also put resultant load on the trans/motor mounts which is probably not great for their longevity. A parking brake may become stuck/seized but it almost never happens if you always use the parking brake and always put it through enough travel. On the other hand excess loading on the pawl in the transmission (as in parking on an incline) may create "torque lock" where the driver cannot engage a gear because the force on the pawl has locked the transmission in place. (I think this is a little less of a concern on modern cars but still possibility.)

I mean it is her car so you should probably do what she says, but I would be doing the same thing--applying the parking brake properly before putting the car in park, lol. I mean if someone lent me their car and told me to redline it all the time, I would not be able to follow those instructions either. The only problem I see is what I mentioned before--if she never uses the parking brake then the mechanism may be corroded/rusty and it might become stuck if you then go to use it. However if you've used it so far without issue, that probably isn't going to happen now anyway.

[olddog]

the handbrake is similar to the brake pedal in the sense that the harder u press down the firmer the brake. Now when not in an emergency situation, do u always slam the brakes to the end ? no. you press the brakes to a point to prevent the car from going faster or forward at your pace.
She might have a point with your pulling the handbrake too hard (They is a limit, try to just pull it to a nice firm point and not overpull it to the extreme). It has an "elastic limit" . If u know what i mean. it's like trying to close a door but using too much force thereby causing it to go past it closing point.(hope that makes sense)
Plus its her car...:D
do as she wishes...Or buy your own car...lol

[PlayerOne]

It is her car. Follow her 'house rule'. Otherwise, don't drive her car.

Not that it's any of your business, but whenever I drive her car, it is to do her a favor, e.g. drop her off at work so she doesn't have to pay for parking, pick up her kids, etc. I would much much rather drive my own vehicles but they are both 2 seaters.

Perhaps you should stay in the Off Topic section


To all others, thanks for the input. (es_revenge and olddog included)

Does anyone know the approximate cost (hours-wise) for each of the jobs? replacing handbrake cable, and removing+installing the transmission.

Thanks

[Tomy]

actually in my old paseo, the handbrake was pulled too hard that somethign is broken (probably the wire i assume).

but unless you tried to break the damn thing, i don't think u can pull it 'too hard'.. she's just complaining b/c 1. she forgets to let go of the handbrake before she drives and finds out later 2. she's too weak

[Justin]

I never use my hand brake on my car. I doubt most people with an auto do use it. Of course I used it on my previous manual car but do not see the need with an auto.

[Mayoo]

+1 for using the Hand Brake as i dont want my car lying on transmission . pull hard i assume you pull all the way up .. i think you dont need to do that .. follow the below method

After car comes to stop

- make sure brake is still pressed
- move the stick to N
- Pull the hand brake up to medium level
- take the leg off from brakes
- now move the stick to P

that should save your transmission and solves your in law issue :)

[teknoluv]

It is her car. Follow her 'house rule'. Otherwise, don't drive her car.
Agree. It doesn't matter whether you are right or not. If you still don't get the message: she doesn't like you driving her car. So either follow HER rule/logic, or don't drive her car. "Proofing" her wrong would only makes things worse.

[ES_Revenge]

Agree. It doesn't matter whether you are right or not. If you still don't get the message: she doesn't like you driving her car. So either follow HER rule/logic, or don't drive her car. "Proofing" her wrong would only makes things worse.

Did you read the above? :confused:

Not that it's any of your business, but whenever I drive her car, it is to do her a favor, e.g. drop her off at work so she doesn't have to pay for parking, pick up her kids, etc. I would much much rather drive my own vehicles but they are both 2 seaters.
Emphasis added.

[Regin8r]

+1 for using the Hand Brake as i dont want my car lying on transmission . pull hard i assume you pull all the way up .. i think you dont need to do that .. follow the below method

After car comes to stop

- make sure brake is still pressed
- move the stick to N
- Pull the hand brake up to medium level
- take the leg off from brakes
- now move the stick to P

that should save your transmission and solves your in law issue :)

Honestly, when driving the automatic cars, I would never go through all that. If I'm on a reasonably level surface like a parking lot, I leave it in P without the parking brake. One in a while, if you can remember, try to apply the parking brake so that it won't seize up (maybe weekly or even bi-weekly). I really don't think it's necessary to do it everytime U park, especially if U drive everyday, and park mostly in parking lots.

You can make the same argument for downshifting in a manual car when coming to a stop. Putting wear on your clutch and engine vs. wear on your brakes (brakes are much cheaper to replace).

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

Once the parking brake on my Ford seized up and I couldn't release it and had to get a tow truck. I really didn't need to use it since it was an auto but did anyway out of habit as I was used to manuals. In hindsight I probably should have just put it in park and left it at that. The other thing is that a lot of people use to autos don't even remember they have a parking brake and to next time they get in they drive around with the brake on.

[number8888]

The only downside of "pulling too hard" I can think of it's that it makes are really hard to release.

And I totally agree on using it when you park your car. It's called the PARKING BRAKE.

But the greater problem is that let's say you pull the parking brake when you parked her car, and then she starts driving but forgot to release it (since she's not used to it).

[Donomight25]

There's no such thing as pulling the handbrake too hard.


... of course there is.

[Mayoo]

Honestly, when driving the automatic cars, I would never go through all that. If I'm on a reasonably level surface like a parking lot, I leave it in P without the parking brake. One in a while, if you can remember, try to apply the parking brake so that it won't seize up (maybe weekly or even bi-weekly). I really don't think it's necessary to do it everytime U park, especially if U drive everyday, and park mostly in parking lots.

You can make the same argument for downshifting in a manual car when coming to a stop. Putting wear on your clutch and engine vs. wear on your brakes (brakes are much cheaper to replace).

Correct but i don't know about your driveway but i see most of the driveway are bit inclined from road. Its not hard .. after few weeks you will get used to it .. Its automatic and it already saves lot of job of shifting that manual car does :lol:

[TripleHelix]

I don't see the point of this argument.

If it's her car, and it's an automatic, just dont use the handbrake.

Problem solved...

Who cares if you're doing her a favor by driving her car. What difference does it make if you use it or not? Only thing is maybe wear on her transmission or whatever if you dont use it...

Now if it's a manual, then its a different story...

[nornet]

Leave the vehicle in the "as found" state when your finished.

[mr_raider]

I've got a foot pedal. Maybe I've been stomping it too hard?

[ukgirl]

having learned to drive in the UK (manual) I always use the handbrake just from habit.. but im curious after reading these posts that Ive been using it the wrong way:

1) car stops, shift it to park.
2) put handbrake on.

am I seriously meant to do it the other way round? handbrake first?

A funny thing, where i lived in Spain, parking is a major problem, like in Rome.. no one puts their handbrake on so that if necessary someone can 'nudge" their car forward if they need to park. crazy.

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

I've got a foot pedal. Maybe I've been stomping it too hard?

Make sure the next car has a electronic button park brake gramps.

[5dark]

I'm also interested in some docs on hand brake usage.
People are telling me using the hand break will both "wear it out" (long time drivers) and ensure it works in the future (RFDers).

I read the reason for use is to ensure the mechanism doesn't freeze or seize up, but does usage wear out the mechanism as well? (I assume the actual brake pads/discs/parts wouldn't suffer too much since it's not in motion)

[teknoluv]

Did you read the above? :confused:


Emphasis added.
Apparently, YOU don't get it either. Any sensible person can tell it's NOT about the car but people. Since they are living in the same house, I honestly don't see the point of "winning that argument" (but losing the "love" or harmony). That the OP is "doing a favour" for his sister-in-law doesn't even matter. Sigh!

I know the OP probably won't listen, but fortunately this is a public forum (and nobody "owns" this thread), I just hope others who are reading could learn from this.

[mau108]

I'm also interested in some docs on hand brake usage.
People are telling me using the hand break will both "wear it out" (long time drivers) and ensure it works in the future (RFDers).

I read the reason for use is to ensure the mechanism doesn't freeze or seize up, but does usage wear out the mechanism as well? (I assume the actual brake pads/discs/parts wouldn't suffer too much since it's not in motion)


The reason to use parking brake (e brake) is not to prevent it from seizing up lol, its for safety and to reduce the stress of transmission.

Primary reason is safety, last thing you want is to find your car rolling around the lot.

I make it a habit to use the e brake when I park and I follow the procedure, neutral, hand brake up, release foot brake and in to park (usually done within 2 seconds).

I hate it when I get into cars other people have parked with no ebrake and on a hill, getting it out of park I cringe!.

Use the hand brake, its their for a reason, but if shes getting pissy about it don't use it, done deal. Just get her to sign a waiver stating any transmission related issues that arise from this point on you are not responsible for :P

[Tomy]

I hate it when I get into cars other people have parked with no ebrake and on a hill, getting it out of park I cringe!.

Use the hand brake, its their for a reason, but if shes getting pissy about it don't use it, done deal. Just get her to sign a waiver stating any transmission related issues that arise from this point on you are not responsible for :P

+1! on top of that, just don't drive her anymore.. i guess no more "favours" for her :lol:

Apparently, YOU don't get it either. Any sensible person can tell it's NOT about the car but people. Since they are living in the same house, I honestly don't see the point of "winning that argument" (but losing the "love" or harmony). That the OP is "doing a favour" for his sister-in-law doesn't even matter. Sigh!

I know the OP probably won't listen, but fortunately this is a public forum (and nobody "owns" this thread), I just hope others who are reading could learn from this.

Yes it matters, if you expect someone to drive your car, you are responsible for their actions. If not, then the sister in law shouldn't let anyone touch her car.

to the OP, you see, people are very inconsiderate, I guess next time, you shouldn't give her any favours and just let her drive on her own

[5dark]

The reason to use parking brake (e brake) is not to prevent it from seizing up lol, its for safety and to reduce the stress of transmission.

Primary reason is safety, last thing you want is to find your car rolling around the lot.

I guess I should rephrase my question to situations where the ground is level. Stress on inclines was assumed...

[macnut]

People are telling me using the hand break will both "wear it out" (long time drivers) and ensure it works in the future (RFDers).
I read the reason for use is to ensure the mechanism doesn't freeze or seize up, but does usage wear out the mechanism as well? (I assume the actual brake pads/discs/parts wouldn't suffer too much since it's not in motion)

Handbrake design or technology varies by manufacturer.
Some implement the business end of it as much more of a separate brake than others.
For example, BMW recommends that to keep the friction surfaces clean you should occasionally apply the handbrake briefly while in motion.
On a clear road and with nothing behind you, of course, as it does not activate the brake lights.
This is what makes a good handbrake useful when a patrol car is coming up behind you, pacing your speed. Drops you 20 or 30 kph in a seconds.
And keeps your handbrake mechanism working nicely.
Whether using it when parked, or driving, there is going to be some wear of the cables and moving parts, but it is not a big deal, and much better than the alternative of neglecting it to rust away.

[liorsyncro]

If you have drums in the back you have to pull a little hard on it for the rear brakes to engage properly. Just be careful with how you pull the lever. In Canada, because there are so many automatics on the road, many people tend to never use the parking brake. Not good. In contrast, the etiquette is much better in Europe since 90% of the cars on the road are stick. No parking brake and the car goes for a jog on its own.

[rchong]

If it's someone else's car, do what they do. That is, if they use the parking brake, you use it too. If they don't, you don't.

[Donomight25]

If it's someone else's car, do what they do. That is, if they use the parking brake, you use it too. If they don't, you don't.

You're using failed logic.

If my buddy speeds, runs red lights and hits signs for fun, that means I can do it too?

Nope.

[TT333]

I hate it when I get into cars other people have parked with no ebrake and on a hill, getting it out of park I cringe!.


me too! +1
in Europe since 90% of the cars on the road are stick. No parking brake and the car goes for a jog on its own.

do they just leave it in neutral while parked? why not put it in gear...?

[Mattones]

i pull it up so its tight but my father use to pry it back. A few times i swear if it was an inch more it would have been facing the roof.

[rchong]

You're using failed logic.

If my buddy speeds, runs red lights and hits signs for fun, that means I can do it too?

Nope.

And that relates to the parking brake how?

If you want me to be more clear, use the parking brake if the owner uses it. Don't use it if the owner doesn't use it.

It's not failed logic. It's courtesy.

[gordholio]

I use the emergency brake when I park - all the time.
Also use it when I'm on a hill, so I won't roll back (I drive a standard).
You can also use it in emergencies when your regular brakes fail.

[gman]

I said:

It is her car. Follow her 'house rule'. Otherwise, don't drive her car.

You said:

Not that it's any of your business, but whenever I drive her car, it is to do her a favor, e.g. drop her off at work so she doesn't have to pay for parking, pick up her kids, etc. I would much much rather drive my own vehicles but they are both 2 seaters.

Perhaps you should stay in the Off Topic section


To all others, thanks for the input. (es_revenge and olddog included)

Does anyone know the approximate cost (hours-wise) for each of the jobs? replacing handbrake cable, and removing+installing the transmission.

Thanks

What did I say wrong?

You can't follow her rule. So, don't drive her car and don't give her any favor.

So, either she changes her rule or you don't drive her car (and do not give her any favor).

Since you more or less implied she needs your driving more and you can't live without your principal, make her do the adjustment by stop driving her car.

[gman]

You're using failed logic.

If my buddy speeds, runs red lights and hits signs for fun, that means I can do it too?

Nope.

If your buddy only allows you to drive his car with the condition you must run red lights and hit sign for fun, I would not drive his car.

[ES_Revenge]

You can also use it in emergencies when your regular brakes fail.
Which is where the term "emergency brake" or "e-brake" comes from. However if you've ever pulled the parking brake on a car with rear drums (or drum-in-hat rear disc parking brakes), in an attempt to stop a vehicle you'd see how hilarious this term is--you're probably better off opening the door and jumping out 'cause it ain't going to stop you in any sort of emergency :lol: It will slow you down, sure, but not really all that effective at actually stopping the vehicle. Plus you can lock up the rears, which may just start you into an oversteer-type skid in some situations.

Also LOL @ "when your regular brakes fail"--as if that's something that happens on a regular basis? :lol:

[gilboman]

Not that it's any of your business, but whenever I drive her car, it is to do her a favor, e.g. drop her off at work so she doesn't have to pay for parking, pick up her kids, etc. I would much much rather drive my own vehicles but they are both 2 seaters.

Perhaps you should stay in the Off Topic section


To all others, thanks for the input. (es_revenge and olddog included)

Does anyone know the approximate cost (hours-wise) for each of the jobs? replacing handbrake cable, and removing+installing the transmission.

Thanks

Why you are driving the car is irrelevent unless it's an emergency to get her to a hospital or something. My friend drives like a maniac, but when he gives me a ride somewhere using my car, i expect him to drive "normally" and he does it. Other person's car, their rules. It's not like she's asking for the moon, just don't pull the parking brake up as far, problem solved.

since you were so "nice" to do her a favor for driving her, stop whinning about having to do it. Nothing worse than someone who agrees you to do a favor and then continually whines about it.

[l69norm]

It is her car. Follow her 'house rule'. Otherwise, don't drive her car.

+1 since she made a very specific request.

The only exception might be the cars with 4 wheel disks where the parking brake acuates the adjuster in the rear disk brakes like on some GMs and Fords. In this case, the rear brakes will eventually stop working if the parking brake is not periodically used.

[5dark]

...

Could someone direct me to some websites that I could show the sister in law? perhaps stating how much it would cost to replace a damaged handbrake part (I'm assuming the wire is the weakest link), and the cost to replace/repair a transmission
Thanks


...

Does anyone know the approximate cost (hours-wise) for each of the jobs? replacing handbrake cable, and removing+installing the transmission.

Thanks


Why you are driving the car is irrelevent unless it's an emergency to get her to a hospital or something... Nothing worse than someone who agrees you to do a favor and then continually whines about it.

There's nothing worse than someone who hijacks a thread in order to go off topic and give their own irrelevant opinions in disregard to the question asked.

So you stop whining about how the OP drives his sister's car.

[gilboman]

There's nothing worse than someone who hijacks a thread in order to go off topic and give their own irrelevant opinions in disregard to the question asked.

So you stop whining about how the OP drives his sister's car.

congrats on learning to use the multi-quote function and testing it out here.

if the op stops whining, he wouldnt have to look for a website.

it's like you comming on here asking where to buy snake oil and i'm telling you there's no need for it. or would you prefer me to sell you some? $10 for 10ml:lol:

[5dark]

congrats on learning to use the multi-quote function and testing it out here.

if the op stops whining, he wouldnt have to look for a website.

it's like you comming on here asking where to buy snake oil and i'm telling you there's no need for it. or would you prefer me to sell you some? $10 for 10ml:lol:

Well did you read the multiple quotes? Or did you skip them like you did the original posts?

Actually it's more like me asking for documentation about handbrake damage, repair, maintenance and costs, and you replying by telling me how to drive my sister's car...

[stevethewheel]

In my car it is possible to wreck the parking brake by pulling too hard over time.

At the lower end of the handle (out of sight) the wire is attached by means of a "fork". The stamped steel fork is just not rigid enough and bends "a little" each time the brake is pulled too hard. Eventually it bends and spreads slightly which allows the wire to release. About $300 to tear down the console and replace the brake lever.

[gilboman]

Well did you read the multiple quotes? Or did you skip them like you did the original posts?

Actually it's more like me asking for documentation about handbrake damage, repair, maintenance and costs, and you replying by telling me how to drive my sister's car...

since you read it, where's the documentation?

[5dark]

Oh we're back on topic, yay :!: