Jump to content
Click here if you are having website access problems ×

Couple of minor build queries, handbrake and front wings


CtrMint

Recommended Posts

Guys,

Just a couple of minor build queries.

Handbrake cable.....
I'm struggling to sort the handbrake cable out, I've got it routed either side of the diff and around the drive shafts, then hooked into place on the callipers.  I understand I need to tie it to the rear under the boot to keep it out of the shafts way, I'm struggling to get sufficient cable also wondering do I use a cradle clip into the wooden boot floor?   Some pics would help thanks.

Front wings....
Should I fit the front wings to the stays before adding the IVA trim, or add the trim before fitting to the car?  What is the best strategy for getting the front wings straight, assuming the tracking isn't perfect?


Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Have the bleed the brakes?  Don’t pull the handbrake until you have.  If you have, wind the calipers back and start again.  Once bleed, and pressed hard an few times to adjust the calipers/pads.  Then fit and adjust the cable, once adjusted your find the cable will be a bit more balanced left and right and easier to position.

I fitted the IVA trim before fitting the wings

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fit the trims afterwards as you may need to trim around the stays.

  Thanks to the thread of "purple meanie" I found the best routing on the handbrake cable was to:

a/ grind out the diff boss to provide a straight route for the cable rearwards. It bends past the lug otherwise about 3" beyond the chassis location bracket.

b/ Use rubberised stainless P clips on the A frame. One on the A frame and one reversed onto the cable, piggy backed, on each side. This provides an elegant solution that ensures good clearance , in all areas, and no rubbing on paint surfaces. This was complimented by the IVA inspectors during the test this week. I'll lift the car and send photos if that helps/ 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guys, 

I've not put any fluids into the car and also pulled the handbrake when sorting the tension on the lever, so I guess that's not helped.

If I understand you correctly I need to remove the shoes and the wind the piston back, and put fluid in, this will provide better clearance and then use back to back p-clips to hold the cable up and around the shaft.  There is no need for a cradle clip on the boot.

Have to say I don't fancy grinding the diff.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The diff grinding is not major surgery. its an ear that just pushes the cable run sideways. only talking a few mm reduction not removal. I then used Sugru to hold the cable in place on the ear. Looks neat and gives a straight cable run. The purple meanie link I sent you a while back has this photographed.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Jim, are you referring to the image above? That’s actually from the PurpleMeanie blog, I inserted as an example of the cable ties.

I have been reading the older manual, it makes it sound so simple, but following that I seem to close to the shafts.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hello Mark

I've recently had a go at the handbrake cable too, and I decided to fit an 'L' shaped metal bracket to the underside of the wooden plank (flatish head in the boot for the carpet), and from that leg I've bolted a 'P' clip so its rubber loop is about 2-3" below the wood, and the cable will go through this. I can't photograph it as its disassembled waiting for final fit. I didn't fancy cable clips or taking an angle grinder to the installed diff !

 

Front wings - I fitted the IVA trim to them beforehand as I thought it easier with full control of the superglue, and also wanted to get some Dinitrol stonechip on the underside after the trim, rather than before. Still managed to get superglue on the paintwork *curse* ! (anyone know how to get this off?)


" What is the best strategy for getting the front wings straight, assuming the tracking isn't perfect?"

Method I used (borrowed from blogs)... With the wheels on (car on ground is best), mark the centreline of the tyres front and rear. Find and mark on masking tape the centreline front and rear of the wings, sit them on the stays, adjust for the 80mm at the front, then tweek until all lines up ok. A spirit level on the top will then tell you if you need to adjust the stays to suit.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Any further views on the handbrake cable being tied to the A-frame, or diagonal chassis rail? While Purplemeanie used double P-clips, I've also see people simply cable tying the cable to one of these points.

Basically I'm wondering the latest IVA 'guidelines' on this i.e. P-clip or cable tie, and A-frame vs. chassis rail.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Area Representative

The Caterham advice to utilise two tie warps to attach the hand brake cable to the A Frame diagonal is OK but in use the cable tends to migrate around the diagonal & often along it. Subsequently this can lead to rubbing of the anti roll bar bush blocks & the forward face of the De Dion tube. Also the movement damages the A Frame diagonal powder coat.

I was continually repositioning the cable & renewing the tie wraps so instead I fitted two P Clips vertically on each A Frame diagonal. One 19mm clip to the diagonal & dependent on the spec of the cable outer a 10, 11 or 12mm  clip.

When the clips are adjusted to allow for all the necessary clearances this installation works well & looks 'professional'.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've spent the afternoon at my local specialist South Coast and the owner has also recommended the P-clip approach.  I'm going back down tomorrow morning to finish off a few other jobs including a flat flooring the car, will be adding the P-Clips tomorrow too.

Overall there's been very few things wrong with the build.  The worst issue was weeping brake lines still.  Would you believe it the brake union inside the front nearside was weeping which required the catch tank to be removed, and yes the rad top hose of again!  FFS  *furious*  the design is a numb as it comes.  Coolant went everywhere!

We also made an interesting discovery regarding the front upright assembly.  The owner felt the hub nut was too tight, even though it was supplied pre-assembled.  The hub didn't rotate with sufficient ease on both sides of the car.  We took the front calliper and discs off, and removed the hub nut etc.  We found virtually no grease inside on both of the inner races.  We've now greased both bearings and the hub runs much better.  It's a bit of concern CC shipped like that.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We've now greased both bearings and the hub runs much better.

Out of interest, did you re-tighten the hub nut to the original position or did you slacken it off slightly?  The reason I ask is that the original grease, although sparse, looks to be worked into the rollers well enough -- sufficient at least to allow a brand-new hub to spin freely.  If so, that suggests the nut was over-tightened from the start.

JV

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...