C'mon, gimme a brake...

[MAJOR STONER]

Hand brake? Parking brake? Emergency brake? What is this thing for? How do you use it? How is it connected to the brakes? Is it connected via cable separate from the floor pedal, or a completely different mechanism? To what set of wheels? Am I wearing it out faster by not pushing in the button and listening to that rachet sound?

I use this thing quite a bit. I am not sure how it functions, it seems weak. I use it when parking, but I also use it to settle the car in a turn, after watching the world rally set too much on the tele. I also use it in emergencies, like speed traps, when I don't want the police to see red brake lights, so I guess it isn't connected to the brake lights. Anyone with any tips on how it functions mechanically or that has recieved instruction on it's proper use, say in a turn, please resond. Personally, when somebody thinks he is going to give me a driving lesson, I find it a fun and useful tool.

BTW-Acura refers to it as a parking brake in the manual, states that ABS won't function properly when in use, and it can damage rotors and axles if not disengaged when driving.

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by MAJOR STONER:
Hand brake? Parking brake? Emergency brake? What is this thing for? How do you use it? How is it connected to the brakes? Is it connected via cable separate from the floor pedal, or a completely different mechanism? To what set of wheels? Am I wearing it out faster by not pushing in the button and listening to that rachet sound?

It's called all of those names. It's connected to the rear brakes only. It's generally used for parking, particularly on inclines, and as an emergency back-up for the regular brakes. I never use it to slow the car down while driving. Ever. And even when parking, I make sure not to use it when I've been driving the car hard and the brakes are hot, so that it doesn't warp the rear rotors.

 

[DutchBlackNsx]

Here in the euro countries where this thing is widely used, and known, we call it a handbrake.
Used mainly as Ken pointed out, as a parking brake (confussing ?), or when your 18 and just got youre driverslicense, as a fun tool

The handbrake usage as you see it in the rally cars, is not recomended with the NSX handbrake. The reason for this is that the normal NSX handbrake, operates some small levers inside the rear brake caliper, not able to deliver the pressure on the brakepads the oilpressure does from youre footpedal. This is accomplished with 2 steel wires running from the lever inside the car to the rear brake calipers. To get the rearwheels locked up with this device, will put to much stress on all components of the handbrake, and will result with a repair (in the end).

Rally cars in that matter have a hydrolic operated handbrake for this.

The NSX uses its brakediscs for this. You will find other cars, such as BMW's, with inside the rear brake disc, some very small brake drums (is that the right word ???), coz these type of brakes are much better for parking brakes, nor is it a problem when you have hot discs (as Ken mentioned)

Tip:
Only pull the handbrake enough to stop the car from rolling away. Don't pull it until it is vertical. This will cause the mechanism inside the rear calipers to get stuck one day, and you might not notice that, until you spin of the road, or set youre brakes on fire

Mich

 

[nsxtasy]

In winter weather, we don't use the parking brake at all, because snow and slush can get caught in the mechanism and freeze it in the "parking brake on" position.

BTW, many American cars operate the parking brake using a foot pedal, which is probably why it's not known as a hand brake on this side of the pond.

[This message has been edited by nsxtasy (edited 04 August 2002).]

 

[MAJOR STONER]

Thank you, gentlemen. Follow-up questions: I get quite a bit of sticktion when I release the PARKING brake after a wash and the car dries, am I doing risking damage by applying it when wet?

 

[DutchBlackNsx]

Ken,
We get the Mercedeces with the footpedal brake as well. It's the same thing.
Garage owners do suggest not to use the parking brake when it is freezing, though i have always used it. It does get sticky over time, but i think it's more because of usage over time, then as a result of bad weather.
I think it has a lot to do with how hard you pull it.........the handbrake lever i mean..

Stoner,
From what you write, you have used it too much already.
To have this solved, you need the calipers taking apart, and cleaning. Might also want to change the steel cables. and springs.
Overhere at the dealer they sell you a new set of calipers, but there's info on PRIME how to clean youre calipers (i think ?).


Mich

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by MAJOR STONER:
I get quite a bit of sticktion when I release the PARKING brake after a wash and the car dries, am I doing risking damage by applying it when wet?

No, not if the temperature is above freezing.

 

[MAJOR STONER]

Thanks for the heads up. I had a phantom popping noise from the left rear, followed by a 1/4 mile of squeel and some slight low speed pulling to the left when stopping. I've stopped using it since and all seems to have corrected itself, hence the questions above before I do something again. I'll have it checked next week when I have the car serviced.

Okay, two more brake questions:


What is the deal with the ABS pump noise? This can't be normal for a car costing this much. It only seems go go off whenever a pretty gal is within 100 feet, it must be an techno anti-mating call of some sort. I tried stomping on the brakes hard for a while, as per nsxtasy's suggestion, which only made the sound "sound sicker". The more I work the brakes the more it makes noise. Can I get this "fixed" under warranty?


High speed testing revealed what I think are spongey brakes, but I'm not sure, seems different than my '94's brakes. How far does the peddle depress, should it go all the way down to a stop under panic braking? What do bigger rotors feel like?

 

[NyC NsX]

Originally posted by MAJOR STONER:
Thank you, gentlemen. Follow-up questions: I get quite a bit of sticktion when I release the PARKING brake after a wash and the car dries, am I doing risking damage by applying it when wet?

The same thing happens to me when i wash it and put it back in the garage...and when i disengauge the brake and go to drive i get a loud thunk and then its ok. If anyone knows why this happens ... please chime in

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by NyC NsX:
The same thing happens to me when i wash it and put it back in the garage...and when i disengauge the brake and go to drive i get a loud thunk and then its ok. If anyone knows why this happens ... please chime in

Rust forms on the surface of the rotors. When you move the car, it releases with a slight jerk, causing the thunk. The rust wears off after you use the brakes a few times. Nothing to worry about.

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by MAJOR STONER:
What is the deal with the ABS pump noise? This can't be normal for a car costing this much.

It is.

Originally posted by MAJOR STONER:
I tried stomping on the brakes hard for a while, as per nsxtasy's suggestion, which only made the sound "sound sicker".

The recommendation for an occasional stomp on the brakes is to exercise the ABS, to prevent the solenoids from sticking. It has nothing to do with the noise.

Originally posted by MAJOR STONER:
Can I get this "fixed" under warranty?

No. It's normal. So you can't get it "fixed", warranty or not.

And it's not THAT loud anyway. If you want absolute quiet, get a luxury car.

 

[DutchBlackNsx]

Originally posted by MAJOR STONER:
It only seems go go off whenever a pretty gal is within 100 feet

Always..................

I tried stomping on the brakes hard for a while, as per nsxtasy's suggestion, which only made the sound "sound sicker". The more I work the brakes the more it makes noise.

Sometimes it gets worse when stomping the brakes. More loose particals get in between the solenoid seals, causing more internal leakage. Do a ABS flush. (and read the faq. Where is that nazi anyway?, i have a feeling he is looking over our shoulders...)

Mich

 

[MAJOR STONER]

Thanks, again. Actually, it is very loud, and anyone within 30 feet will turn around to find out what that horrible noise is. My '94 never did this, and I've never heard another car do this, sounds like an old Buick with power steering problems. Does any other model car do this?