Handbrake Cable Replacement Service

Handbrake Cable Replacement

Stretching, sticking or snapped cables leave your car unsafe and unable to hold on a hill. Get it replaced before it lets you down.

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Service Overview

The handbrake cables link the handbrake lever to the parking brakes to stop the car from rolling. Frayed or broken handbrake cables are dangerous and must be replaced. Different models of car use different handbrake systems, but by far the most common is a mechanical system of lever, rods and cables operated by the driver: a primary cable attached to a yoke, and a secondary cable that runs from that yoke to each rear wheel.

If you find you are having to pull your handbrake very hard to keep your car stable on a hill, chances are the linkage system has worn over time and the cables themselves have slackened. Eventually the linkage will need replacing — or the cables might one day suddenly snap, leaving you without a working handbrake.

The cable runs along the underside of the car and is directly exposed to water, salt and road grime, so over time it is prone to deteriorate. A handbrake that won't hold is also an MOT failure item, so it pays to have it checked at the first sign of trouble.

Frequently Asked Questions

The metal handbrake cable links the lever you pull to the brake shoes inside the wheels. When engaged, the brake shoes are pushed against the brake discs or drums, locking them in place and preventing the car's wheels from moving.
  • The handbrake warning light is on
  • The car rolls despite having engaged the handbrake
  • The handbrake appears stuck and doesn't release
  • You have to pull the lever much further than usual
The handbrake cable runs along the underside of the car and is directly subject to a variety of conditions, so it is prone to deteriorate over time. It can break, leaving you without a handbrake — especially inconvenient in a hilly area. If the handbrake fails, have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent dangerous situations.
The handbrake on most cars is a mechanical linkage of rods and cables. Over time the linkage wears — the cables become slack, or the pivot points and linkage pins become grooved. You can compensate for wear with the handbrake adjuster, but once it won't take up any more slack, new parts need to be fitted. Cable layouts vary between front- and rear-wheel drive cars, which determines how the cable is replaced.

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Important Service Facts

Mechanical Linkage

Most handbrakes use a primary cable attached to an equalizer yoke and a secondary cable running to each rear wheel. Pulling the lever tensions the cable and applies the brakes.

Exposed Underside

The cable runs along the underside of the car, where water, salt and road grime attack it. Cables stretch and eventually snap if left unchecked.

Checked at MOT

Handbrake efficiency is a testable MOT item. A handbrake that won't hold the car will fail the test — and leaves you unsafe on hills.