Handbrake misbehaving

Hi

1996 Defender 300TDI. Yesterday when I parked the handbrake wouldn't engage and felt as though there was no resistance when I tried to engage it. I started up and moved off and tried again and it worked, although I have a sense it felt stiffer than previously. Since then it has exhibited an intermittent pattern of working and then failing, and I have also experienced some severe juddering when starting off in low gears.

I'm not a mechanic so will be dependent on my local garage. In order to save faffing around is there a guaranteed to work replacement kit or somesuch for the transmission brake or does it need investigation and proper diagnosis.

Thanks

Dave

Sounds like a fault in the linkage. If your not able or willing to get under and have a look yourself, it shouldn't be a big job for a local garage. Avoid testing it by driving along and yanking the handbrake on cos that not end well.

Col

Probably sticking due to old crud in brake expander.
If mine I would clean out and give it a try but as garage job renew expander, brake shoes, and return springs.
Also worth doing transmission output seal when in there, some oil seepage my be causing stickiness with brake dust.
Do not leave this as brake can jam on and over heat. Kit with all parts above can be had for about £45.

davesh said:

does it need investigation and proper diagnosis.

Click to expand...

Yes it does!

Thanks guys. Very helpful. Can't find a kit for sale online though?