TheSamba.com :: View topic - A question about E-brake 62 Beetle

Fri Jul 26, 2024 6:26 pm

Is there an easy way to get the ratchet mechanism in the handle in the correct position without taking the handle apart? Thanks for any help.

Fri Jul 26, 2024 6:44 pm

I assume the pawl came past the ratchet piece?

You don't need to take everything apart to get it back in place but it can be tedious. There are some YouTube videos showing how to do this, but you'll need to make sure the hook is engaging the pawl correctly. pull the e-brake handle WAY back and you might need a screw driver to finagle the pawl back onto the ratchet properly.

Sun Jul 28, 2024 2:47 am

lgherb wrote: I assume the pawl came past the ratchet piece?

You don't need to take everything apart to get it back in place but it can be tedious. There are some YouTube videos showing how to do this, but you'll need to make sure the hook is engaging the pawl correctly. pull the e-brake handle WAY back and you might need a screw driver to finagle the pawl back onto the ratchet properly.
I looked for some YouTube videos but couldn't find any. I took it apart and reset the pawl in the ratchet. Do the cables have adjustment in the drum,the cables are maxed out at the handle or will adjusting the shoes tighten up the E-brake cables? I really do t feel like removing the rear drums,the E-brake does work,can't move the car with it set.

Sun Jul 28, 2024 4:41 am

DUNTOVFAN wrote: lgherb wrote: I assume the pawl came past the ratchet piece?

You don't need to take everything apart to get it back in place but it can be tedious. There are some YouTube videos showing how to do this, but you'll need to make sure the hook is engaging the pawl correctly. pull the e-brake handle WAY back and you might need a screw driver to finagle the pawl back onto the ratchet properly.
I looked for some YouTube videos but couldn't find any. I took it apart and reset the pawl in the ratchet. Do the cables have adjustment in the drum,the cables are maxed out at the handle or will adjusting the shoes tighten up the E-brake cables? I really do t feel like removing the rear drums,the E-brake does work,can't move the car with it set.

Adjust the rear drum brakes first. Set it till it is just slightly rubbing. This will “shorten” the e-brake cable.

Sun Jul 28, 2024 1:48 pm

After adjusting the rear brakes, do adjust the fronts at same time, adjust the parking brake to five clicks to full lock. When you next time notice that the parking brake goes to six clicks to full lock, then it is time to adjust the brake adjusting stars again to slight drag. Doing this will make your brake shoes both last longer and be stronger. Also you will avoid having the parking brake ratchet to get out of whack as it does when you get past eight clicks.