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Posted by: theer Apr 22 2017, 07:32 AM

I have the early folding handbrake handle and getting the flashing light to go out is a two-handed process to get the switch fully depressed.

Is there supppsed to be a spring somewhere on the handle mechanism to help release the brake?

Anyone got a picture?

Thanks,
Tom

Posted by: GeorgeRud Apr 22 2017, 08:25 AM

I've always had to hold the folding part of the handle up while moving the entire handle to it's resting position to close the switch and turn off the handbrake light. I'm unaware of any spring or other assist and there is no adjustment on the switch.

Posted by: theer Apr 22 2017, 08:42 AM

Yup- that's exactly what I have to do.
Thanks for confirming.

Posted by: Perry Kiehl Apr 22 2017, 10:55 AM

There's a compression spring inside the early handle.

Posted by: cwpeden Apr 22 2017, 11:15 AM

I just took mine apart last week.

There is a spring at the yoke just before the firewall. Other than that it probably just needs cleaning and lube at the pivot and cable joints.

Mine was frozen where the cable connects to the handle.

Posted by: theer Apr 22 2017, 12:52 PM

Hmm, I'm missing that spring at the firewall. I don't see where/how a spring connects.

Do you have a picture?

Posted by: theer Apr 22 2017, 12:53 PM

Hmm, I'm missing that spring at the firewall. I don't see where/how a spring connects.
Everything is free and loose.
Do you have a picture?

Posted by: mepstein Apr 22 2017, 01:51 PM

914rubber sells the spring

Posted by: cwpeden Apr 25 2017, 10:32 AM

looks like this:
https://914electric.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/handbrake.jpg

Posted by: McMark Apr 25 2017, 10:36 AM

The spring at the firewall is only on later cars. If you're using stock components an two-piece eBrake handle won't have the firewall spring ever.

There is a spring just behind the button, and there is a 'finger-spring' at the rear end of the pushbutton-rod. Those finger springs almost always break. But the symptom for that failure is that the pawl won't click against the teeth and the eBrake won't hold at the top when you set it.

I got in the habit of pushing down on the joint in the middle of the lever after I release it.

Posted by: cwpeden Apr 25 2017, 10:49 AM

Learned something new. Couldn't remember if my 72 had one.

Thanks

Posted by: rgalla9146 Apr 25 2017, 11:00 AM

QUOTE(McMark @ Apr 25 2017, 12:36 PM)

Posted by: cwpeden Apr 26 2017, 09:42 PM

That's funny, it was the first thing I took out of my 72 and put in the 73. That and the seatbelts.