So my first expereince of gtm ownership...

Took my K3 for MOT today. Handbrake worked fine but... Tester said that you need to be able to pull on the lever really hard and not reach the stop on the ratchet. Tightened up the cable loads but still not possible then the actuating lever snapped at the pivot!

Is the tester always right? ie if I get a new lever will it ever be possible to pass?

I realise that in the long run there are better solutions using othere callipers but I would like to get it roadworthy asap.

Has anyone got a spare K3 calliper or just the lever or are new ones available?

Thanks

Mark

Hi Mark, not that I have got mine to the MOT station as yet, but I had my rear brakes total apart recently. The problem with GTM handbrake set up is you need keep the 2CV handbrake pads with lots of pad left on them. This should sort your problem, also if the pad get worn down to much they can exit the GTM handbrake fittings. I believe new pads are pretty cheap, and they are same ones used in Willwood and HiSpec cable handbrake systems.
The K3 has split braking system so should not need the handbrake to stop the car in a brake failure situation like some other cars, it only needs to keep the car stationary when parked.
The MOT test has changed so much recently, in the old days your handbrake had to operate between 5 and 8 clicks, now it must lock the rear wheels and not drag when released.

Sorry can't help with a spare caliper but when my one went for it's MOT I had three steel cable clips taking out the excess of the none shortened handbrake cables and it passed without issue or comment. I had the handbrake in the off position then made the cable as tight as I could with the ties and then adjusted the lever inside between the seats to get the desired lever travel.
If the handbrake lever hits it's stops and the rear wheels do not hold the car then it will fail. I also believe that the tester needs to know the weight of the vehicle as they now have to ensure that the brake can hold the car and not just lock the wheels up. (I have a 70's vette and the handbrakes on those are really rubbish so they had to put in a low weight otherwise it would have failed the test).
If Rossabits hasn't got a caliper or lever, can you not weld up the old one and redrill or reem the hole back out and use that again? Then make sure that the cables are free and easy to move before re-attaching and adjusting back up.

Thanks for the tips. We've welded it back together and it all works. By the third click wheels won't turn by hand. Tried it on a steep drive no problem BUT If you keep pulling on the lever with strength you can keep pulling until the rachet runs out (12 teeth). It seems that the calliper arms are flexing under this brute force which the examiner wants to use..... maybe I should try another test station.. . or a device to resist excessive pulling!

Hi Mark

Your phone no 01628 is not far from my area, I use Love Green Garage in Iver for my Mot's.

Your within driving distance of the 'southern meet', might we see you next week

Bob S.

Hi Mark
I've got arms in stock if you still need one.
I can post to you or bring one along to the
'Southern Meet' at the Fishery next week.
Cheers

Thanks for all the advice and offers. We rebuilt it with the tip welded and strengthened and increased the return force on the handbrake by putting a piece of bicycle inner tube around it.
Well the MOT inspector liked it (what he could see!) so I have a MOT cert.

Took it for a drive at last (in the rain!). Now need to sort out cooling now as gauge was edging up so I won't make the Fishery trip tonight - maybe next month.