Handbrake Cable replacement & repair made easy

The hand brake cable links the handbrake mechanism with either the hand brake shoes inside the rear discs or the rear brake pads/shoes to prevent the wheels from moving.

• Mechanic will inspect the handbrake system.
• If necessary the handbrake cable will be replaced.
• Mechanic will calibrate the handbrake.
• Mechanic will test the handbrake.
• If necessary, the mechanic will make any adjustments.

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a handbrake cable replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

• When the vehicle still moves despite having engaged the handbrake.
• If you have a manually applied handbrake and the lever has no resistance when applied.
• If you have an electric handbrake and there is a handbrake warning message on the dashboard.

A handbrake cable replacement usually takes around 1.5 hours, but can take less or more time. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

The handbrake is important in a variety of situations, such as hill starts, parking on any non flat area and is of course part of the MOT checks. So if the vehicle fails to remain stationary when the handbrake is applied then it is likely that a cable needs replacing.

It really depends on the vehicle and its use as much as anything. Cables will stretch after a time and steel will corrode so it's likely if you are keeping the vehicle for a long time that it will need one replaced at some point.

If you suspect there is any issue with a broken handbrake or there are concerns about its age or condition, book an inspection with a professional mechanic with immediate effect, and do not drive the vehicle. Depending on the braking system on your vehicle driving the vehicle with a broken handbrake cable may lead to complications and damage to other components of the braking system, and can lead to dangerous situations.