When I installed new cables for my '59 restoration, I could not get the rear
cables to be taught enough to adequately engage the brakes. I tried
everything and could still not get them to work properly. I ended up
cutting the length of the adjustment bolts so that the take-up was short and
this then provided me with enough tension when the leaver was engaged to
properly operate the brake. Still not sure if this was a problem with
getting the wrong part for the TR3 or what, but never could figure out why
it didn't work without the modification.
Scott Suhring
Mechanicsburg, PA
'70 TR6
'59 TR3
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-triumphs@Autox.Team.Net
[mailto:owner-triumphs@Autox.Team.Net]On Behalf Of Randall
Sent: Saturday, January 01, 2005 11:00 AM
To: triumphs@Autox.Team.Net
Subject: RE: adjusting a TR3 handbrake
> Having never adjusted the handbrake before thought I would try adjusting
the
> rear brakes yesterday thinking that might help, didn't. There is a lot of
> slack on the driver side handbrake cable, and some on the passenger side.
> Should I start adjusting the long driver side cable at the compensator
ass'y,
> or maybe look at the main cable from the handbrake lever to the
compensator.
> I'm sure its easy, just never been there...maybe there is something else I
> need to look at?
Start by making sure your rear brakes are properly assembled and adjusted
...
there must be some reason for all that slack. If the brakes are OK,
consider
that the cables may be on the verge of failing and perhaps should be
replaced.
("Stretching" is a common first symptom of a bad cable.) Also inspect the
clips
where the main cable sheath is attached, I've had trouble with the front one
(on
the frame) breaking.
The side cables should be adjusted to keep the compensator balanced, then
the
main cable can be adjusted to provide the right lever travel. Once set,
they
normally don't need attention for a long time unless something else is
disturbed.
Randall
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