Handbrake refurbishment

[canuck]

So while under my car taking care of 'stuff' I decided it time to address my wonky handbrake balancer.  When I first got the car 15 years ago I did mechanically sort the handbrake and it has worked well and as designed.
I seem to take a long time to do things, this has been on my 'to do' list for 14 years. I guess it being a banal part it lost priority. 

So;
The intermediate cable of my car was replaced prior to my stewardship by a length of 1/4" threaded rod, covererd in rubber hose and a hook bent in the end to join the balancer.   so I did buy a new cable from club spares.



The balancer on the rear axle wobbled about due to the thread in the lower pivot block being stripped and the threaded rod on the bracket to the rear axle casing being stripped.  
I corrected the pivot block thread using a Helicoil™ insert and treated the part to nickel electroplate finish. I usually zinc plate these type parts but I ran out and need to buy more zinc anode.

 

I need to and will renew the stripped thread on the axle support but haven't had time to get to the lathe yet. 




This ia as far as I got to on this little project.
More to follow..

Salut

Bruce

[tonyhosk]

You have your own lathe??

Tony

[canuck]

Feb 16, 2024 0:23:21 GMT tonyhosk said:

You have your own lathe??

Tony

No I do not Tony.   
My dear Mom often reminded it is better to be born lucky than rich.   

In this particular case I have access to a lathe that my neighbour has. I do buy the odd set of machine cutters to compensate my machine time but he is really good to me. I have become adept at plethora machining operations. 

I think the bracket will be my last mechanical 'intervention' on this little project before re asembly.

Progress;
I rummaged about and located a suitable grease nipple. I cleaned up and elctroplated the grease nipple fitting and this now looks factory correct.

     
  
I hope to get the lathe next week when time permits. No particular panic, I ordered an adjuster nut and I am in a brief wait mode.

salut

Bruce

[canuck]

I finally got around to finishing this handbrake project rework. 
I repaired the threaded part of the axle support and am pleased with the result. 



Lots of fiddly bits needed sorting.  With this repaired support piece and the threaded insert in the pivot block of the balancer this will no longer flop about as it has for years.

Bruce

[2robert4]

Nice work Bruce

You may have all ready sorted the pivot bushes for the Drop Arm on the bodywork? But if you can't get the original bushes get two new rocker cover rubbers (I used poly bush alternatives) and cut the the top part down approx half of its thickness to fit the gap between the body and the arm, the hole in the bushes is the correct diameter so no further modification is required silicone grease lube is required to keep things moving and to stop the rubber or polyurethane from detreating. Hope this is of some help?

Good luck

NP

[canuck]

"Mar 21, 2024 4:43:05 GMT -4 2robert4 said:

You may have all ready sorted the pivot bushes for the Drop Arm on the bodywork? But if you can't get the original bushes get two new rocker cover rubbers (I used poly bush alternatives) and cut the the top part down approx half of its thickness to fit the gap between the body and the arm, the hole in the bushes is the correct diameter.

NP"


Thanks for this Nigel, good idea.  You could be right a poly bush may be the better choice?  

Anyway, I found by searching about, that this original rubber bush #ACH5130 was superceded by #FAM320 which is a similar handbrake application fitted to a TR7, Yikes!! and readily available.  My original ones were due to renew.

   

FWIW I find this Riley handbrake asembly an 'interesting'  collection of parts, levers, pins, springs, bushes, cables etc. When one undertakes this overhaul there is lots to sort out and get right. 



I have completed this handbrake assembly now, and  ready for reinstallation in the coming weeks.

I can  move on to other >60 year old bits that need my attention.  

Salut

Bruce

[2robert4]

Nice one Bruce

There is more than one way to skin a cat! Thus giving plenty of scope for those interested in this job.

NP