Don't know if anyone's had the same problem but the handbrake was useless on Lorraines car so I decided to have a look at it yesterday.It turned out both handbrake cables were seized!When the handbrake was released the cables wouldn't retract and allow the brake to be released.I had to remove both cables and free them by hand.Not really a big job but a bit time consuming.I would have taken pictures and done a write up but I was pushed for time.Has anyone else had this problem?

Mines wrecked at the minute. The handbreak does nothing. They also freeze in the winter.

Handbrake issues are common, the cables are kinda small, like bicycle cables. Worth changing them for new ones if you can, check the handbrake shoes too. Should be no issues if they are in good nick or fairly new.

Whitegtr wrote:
Don't know if anyone's had the same problem but the handbrake was useless on Lorraines car so I decided to have a look at it yesterday.It turned out both handbrake cables were seized!When the handbrake was released the cables wouldn't retract and allow the brake to be released.I had to remove both cables and free them by hand.Not really a big job but a bit time consuming.I would have taken pictures and done a write up but I was pushed for time.Has anyone else had this problem?
From My experience they wont last long Best replace them when you can.
But good luck with them

I understand its a common failing point on Mk2's. Was the car sitting for a while?

One of mine snapped last year so I had replacements put in.

White Gtr I had the EXACT same problem with mine. Only sorted it last week. My 2 couldnt even hold her own weight on a hill. Kept rolling and I had to leave it in first After looking at both sides, the rear passenger side was fine but the drivers-side was totally seized. Which I taught was weird. Anyway not a huge job to replace it though. Ground trays kept the nuts and bolts fairly rust free and with a bit of WD40 none of em sheered
Its funny if you go on to MR2 Shop on ebay, the very first item they offer you is replacement handbrake cables

I had the exact same problem with mine and replaced both rear cables about 5 weeks ago. Got them from www.camskill.co.uk they cost around £52 sterling + delivery. Fitted them in about 1 hour, easy enough to do. Sorted the problem out.

Wakey wakey thread!!

Would like someone to give me a few tips on replacing handbrake cables..

have an NCT coming up and need to get this sorted. been parking in gear for last few months and hill starts have been hard on the oul clutch so time to get this sorted.

I know its the back passenger side cable that sticks as this is the alloy that gets hot when drive.

I'm getting cables soon but what i want to know is why they stick.. when im puting in the new ones what is going to change to stop em sticking.. any reason to belive greasing them up the ying yang will help?


also mayb some ideas on how to go about replacing them? do i need any special tools??


Thanks in advance guys

Kachow! here's the brake system page in the bgb: mr2.ie/mr2/bgb/mk2/mechanical/brake_system.html

I know this is an old thread but I ended up having to replace the handbrake cables in the end because they seized again. I bought a new set from micksgarage.ie for €21.42 each.

Good stuff - KC!