The handbrake provides the parking brake function and operates mechanically on the rear drum brakes via a cable and lever system. The handbrake lever in the cockpit connects to a cable that runs beneath the car through a conduit to a balance lever mounted beneath the rear axle. The balance lever distributes the cable force evenly through adjustable cross rods to the handbrake levers on each rear brake backplate.
Handbrake Cables
Handbrake cables differ between the 1275cc and 1500, and between steel wheel and wire wheel cars on the 1500 (due to the different rear axle tube widths affecting cable routing). The 1500 cable specification also changed during production, with separate cables for cars up to GAN6-182000 (1976) and from GAN6-182001 onward, and a further revision from GAN6-212001.
When ordering a replacement cable, the engine type, wheel type, and chassis number must all be confirmed to ensure the correct specification is supplied.
Balance Lever and Cross Rods
The balance lever is mounted beneath the rear axle on a carrier, with a grease nipple that should be lubricated at every service to prevent the pivot from seizing. A seized balance lever prevents the cable force from being distributed evenly to both wheels, the handbrake may hold on one side only, which is often insufficient to hold the car on a gradient. The adjustable cross rods connect the balance lever to the handbrake levers on each brake backplate and provide the fine adjustment needed to equalise braking effort between left and right rear wheels.
Handbrake Lever and Switch
The handbrake lever assembly is mounted centrally between the seats. Early levers were chrome-finished, later levers black. The ratchet mechanism locks the lever in the applied position and releases with the button on the lever end. A handbrake warning light switch is mounted on the lever mechanism, illuminating the dashboard warning light when the handbrake is applied, if the warning light fails to illuminate, the switch contacts should be checked and cleaned before assuming the bulb is at fault.
Handbrake Adjustment and Diagnosis
If the handbrake lever pulls up excessively before the brakes engage, three potential causes should be investigated in order. First, the rear brake shoe adjustment may be insufficient, the wedge adjusters should be set so that the shoes are as close to the drums as possible without binding. Second, the cable itself may be stretched, a cable that has been in service for many years will develop permanent elongation that cannot be corrected by adjustment alone, and replacement is the only remedy. Third, the balance lever pivot may be seized with corrosion, preventing the lever from distributing force evenly to both wheels.
A seized balance lever typically causes the handbrake to hold on one wheel only.