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Hand brake question

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how to replace handbrake cable

Hi
 I would like to know how to replace Mk1 handbrake cable. The r/h side cable snapped so I took it of and got another same cable but cannot get the cable to go through to th handbrske lever very weird

Last edit: by chortle

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If you happen to have the old one, take a look at the handle end if the bolt part is longer on the new one than the old it is the wrong cable.  Looks right but it is wrong length of the bolt and the bolt can't go through the cable run to the cabin.

I had that happen to me in the middle of NO-WHERE on a Sunday.  

I had to make do by  Cutting the bolted off my about 1 1/2 inches to make it the same as the other…


What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?

They all start with GOOD Grounds.

Where are my DIY Links?

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Remove the hand brake lever, feed the cable through and pull it out, replace lever and fit cable.
There is a sort of circlip holding the hand brake lever rod in place.

1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.

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Thanks for the advice and I did that but my problem is getting the new cable on, it does'nt want to go through from bottom both cables same size, is there a thechnic that I can try.

Thanks

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Check your bolt ends that they are the same length, and the same thread width.  It is a pretty tight fit and curved.
If the bolt on the new isn't the exact same then difficulty can come on the insertion.

You can also try to use a  stripped length of wire, to clean the carrier tube there may be grime and road debris in it.  Then try re-inserting the cable after you slather the bolted end with some grease….

A new correct cable is usually a non-issue with fitment as it goes right in place.  At least that is what I have seen over the years.  I assumed the first time that the place I got the brake cable from gave me a "air" cooled cable.

DO you have the part number off the cable that you purchased, as we may be able to cross-reference that to models…

What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?

They all start with GOOD Grounds.

Where are my DIY Links?

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Hi 

Thank you so much that makes sense now, feel a bit doff. Will check and let you know
Thanks
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