C5 Handbrake Finally Works
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area CA
C5 Handbrake Finally Works
We all know how wonderfull our handbrakes are. :rolleyes: Mine actually broke, the ratchet system. The dealership installed a new one. It sounds different, feels a little different, and it actually works. If I park my car on a hill, it doesn't move! If you're having problems with yours, this may the fix.
[Modified by PeterC, 2:34 PM 5/5/2002]
[Modified by PeterC, 2:34 PM 5/5/2002]
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,950
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From: belleville n.j.
Re: C5 Handbrake Finally Works (99 Corvette)
Give it time this one will stop working too. I wouldn't trust the parking brake on a hill :cheers:
Jerry
Jerry
i adjusted mine and it worked for a few months. it barely holds now :(
be sure that they are not touching after an adjustment. if you over do it, they may slightly grab while you're normally driving
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Re: C5 Handbrake Finally Works (PeterC)
Had the same problem with mine and they replaced the handle mechanism. Still needs to be adjusted though as I have to pull it to the top to get it to catch.
$45,000 car with a $2.00 parking brake. Got to love it.
$45,000 car with a $2.00 parking brake. Got to love it.
Pro
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
From: Merrick NY
Re: C5 Handbrake Finally Works (99 Corvette)
Give it time this one will stop working too. I wouldn't trust the parking brake on a hill :cheers:
Jerry
Jerry
Here's my little story. I was swapping cars and my buddy was sitting in the passenger side. I was in the garage and I had to get out to start the other car. So I stopped with the engine running, pulled up the E-brake and proceeding to get out of the car. Next think you know my buddy yells out, "DUDE YOUR CARS MOVING?" I turned around and saw my car slowly rolling towards another parked car. My friend was yanking on the E-brake as hard as he could but it wouldn't stop. I had to jump in and step on the brakes. Now mind you, the floor that I was on, has MAYBE a 2-3 degree incline at most. Now that's embarassing. I went back one night and brought a marble with me just to test the floor to see if it was maybe a higher incline... I dropped the marble on the floor.. and watched it roll maybe 3 feet and stop. The vette's E-brake is :bs.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 483
Likes: 0
From: Downingtown PA
Re: C5 Handbrake Finally Works (PeterC)
I need to adjust mine. Doesn't hold unless it's a VERY slight incline. Works best when the back end is pointing down hill. I'm surprised there hasn't been more noise about this. You'd think the safety ***** at NHTSA would be all over it. Wouldn't be much fun if the hydraulics failed and you really needed it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,562
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From: Louisville KY
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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Re: C5 Handbrake Finally Works (01C5fan)
I not sure why but mine seems to be grabbing more. I think it might have readjusted while I was backing up a pretty long distance.
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Drifting
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,976
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From: Herndon Va
Re: C5 Handbrake Finally Works (pjazz)
This is very interesting because my 99's and my neighbor's 2001's emergency brakes have always worked fine. If I park on a hill . I always put it in either reverse ( the recommended gear) or first and use the brake. But just for grins sometimes I will just set the barake and it has never moved while I wait a couple of minutes to see if it will slide or not. Of course before I get out I do put it in gear because I always :smash: do that with a stick if the motor is not running.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,976
Likes: 527
From: Clouds Over California
Re: C5 Handbrake Finally Works (1997C5VTBOY)
Mine works, but I am as alway's worried it is going to fail and as I walk away I have to keeping looking back ready to make a run for it. What a piece of crap!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Chattanooga TN
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Re: C5 Handbrake Finally Works (ShanMan14)
I've had the one in my '98 adjusted a few times, as well as having just about every part replaced. It'll work right for 3 months tops, slowly getting worse with each use. Now it won't even hold the car on level ground. :lol: I gave up on it 9 months ago. :rolleyes:
In my 2000, it worked well for 6 months, after that it started to fade as well. I found a fix that's 100% so far, a complete Dilusi brake replacement kit. Aside from the obvious improvement in braking, they also cured my e-brake problems. :yesnod: Now it works 10 times better than either car's e-brake did stock at it's best point. :p:
In my 2000, it worked well for 6 months, after that it started to fade as well. I found a fix that's 100% so far, a complete Dilusi brake replacement kit. Aside from the obvious improvement in braking, they also cured my e-brake problems. :yesnod: Now it works 10 times better than either car's e-brake did stock at it's best point. :p:
