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  • Handbrake cable removal

    As part of removing the rear subframe, I need to disconnect the handbrake cable. Is it normally considered easier to remove it from the wheel hubs, or from the handbrake lever and pull the cable out?

    If the cable is pulled out from the lever, is it easy enough to reinsert? Thanks.
    2001 S54 Silver with Red/Black interior. Totally standard.

  • #2
    I removed mine from the hubs but it depends how rusty they are as some owners have struggled to get them to shift

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    • #3
      Originally posted by Dave P View Post
      I removed mine from the hubs but it depends how rusty they are as some owners have struggled to get them to shift
      Does that entail disassembling the entire handbrake mechanism, or can they be easily unclipped once the disc and hub have been removed?
      2001 S54 Silver with Red/Black interior. Totally standard.

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      • #4
        Originally posted by Hatter View Post
        Does that entail disassembling the entire handbrake mechanism, or can they be easily unclipped once the disc and hub have been removed?

        I think you need to remove the shoes to release the cable but not 100% sure, I was replacing the shoes and cables at the same time.

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        • #5
          Thanks Dave, I’ll try going down that route first.
          2001 S54 Silver with Red/Black interior. Totally standard.

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          • #6
            The shoes have to be taken out and springs and adjuster released.

            In theory you can then pull the cable out of the hub, but mine were lodged solid.

            I lost patience and cut the cables to crack on with the job, have ordered a new set. Even after soaking I found it impossible to get enough pulling force on the cable without damaging the sheath.

            There are some good E30 Bmw videos on this on YouTube.

            Don’t do what I did though and wonder why the disc wasn’t sliding off, I’d left the handbrake on!!!

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            • #7
              Thanks, well I'll give it a go over the next couple of days and come back and regale everyone with how to make a simple job complicated....
              2001 S54 Silver with Red/Black interior. Totally standard.

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              • #8
                I cut the cables on mine as neither wanted to budge from the hubs, so cut them off to deal with later. Removing the disc and tapping the cable out worked from memory.

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                • #9
                  I released from inside the car first to drop the subframe, then tapped out at the hub using a suitably sized steel rod

                  Build thread: https://www.z3mcoupe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19347

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                  • #10
                    Thanks everyone. Got them out today by using an 11mm socket and extension as a drift. Put the socket on the end of the cable then fit the extension through one of the holes in the hub - a few sharp blows and it pops out. Mnbrennan, saw your post when I got back in, pretty much what I did, but didn't bother disconnecting the cable from inside the car.

                    Things are never easy though - one of the brake backing plates was corroded enough that when I took out the parking brake shoe anchors it deformed the backing plate metal. Which means replacing the backing plate. Which means removing the hub..... and the wheel bearing..... Brilliant design!
                    2001 S54 Silver with Red/Black interior. Totally standard.

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Hatter View Post
                      Thanks everyone. Got them out today by using an 11mm socket and extension as a drift. Put the socket on the end of the cable then fit the extension through one of the holes in the hub - a few sharp blows and it pops out. Mnbrennan, saw your post when I got back in, pretty much what I did, but didn't bother disconnecting the cable from inside the car.

                      Things are never easy though - one of the brake backing plates was corroded enough that when I took out the parking brake shoe anchors it deformed the backing plate metal. Which means replacing the backing plate. Which means removing the hub..... and the wheel bearing..... Brilliant design!

                      Nightmare with the backing plates

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                      • #12
                        Well, managed to get the whole rear end/subframe apart. All the bushes look in really good condition (even the diff mount). Which is a bit disappointing! I was hoping they'd be completely knackered so I could justify all the work. They've obviously been changed at some point. I think I'll still replace them all, even though not needed, as I've done approx thirty thousand miles on the car, and having gone to all the trouble of removing the subframe....
                        2001 S54 Silver with Red/Black interior. Totally standard.

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                        • #13
                          Originally posted by Hatter View Post
                          Thanks everyone. Got them out today by using an 11mm socket and extension as a drift. Put the socket on the end of the cable then fit the extension through one of the holes in the hub - a few sharp blows and it pops out. Mnbrennan, saw your post when I got back in, pretty much what I did, but didn't bother disconnecting the cable from inside the car.

                          Things are never easy though - one of the brake backing plates was corroded enough that when I took out the parking brake shoe anchors it deformed the backing plate metal. Which means replacing the backing plate. Which means removing the hub..... and the wheel bearing..... Brilliant design!
                          You can often use these as repair washers on the back (outside) of the backplate

                          https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8-X-LOCKH...55fd394bcfdceb

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                          • #14
                            Those are perfect. Didn't even know they existed.
                            2001 S54 Silver with Red/Black interior. Totally standard.

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                            • #15
                              Just check the sizing, there are a few sizes of slots/washers. I have a local brake specialist who had some in repair packs.

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