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Handbrake ratchet (lever) EASY FIX e53 bmw

Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2018 9:38 pm
by Entwicklung34
Hi there. I've learnt a lot from the members this forum so wanted to give something back. Here goes...

My handbrake ratchet must have sheered/warn down and mot time was fast approaching so i set about researching how to change the handbrake lever. All of the info led me to believe this was a big job involving moving of the centre console... and a second hand part was £75. Not great.

So I found a bit of a shortcut by removing the drivers seat (it's a right hand drive), and prying out the side cover of the centre console with a screwdriver to reveal the lower part of the handbrake mechanism...

From here you will see part of the ratchet (the part with the teeth) and the wire connections with the double nuts on). I loosened off the nuts (taking note of their positions before undoing them) and pulled the handbrake up as far as it would go. This exposed the ratchet part with the teeth thay were worn down.

Now i simply used a semi-circle type metal file to get the teeth back in shape and this worked an absolute treat.

No need to remove the centre console or buy a new part. A £4 file did the trick.

I did take pictures but i'm uploading this on my phone and cant seem to get them on... will try to add them when i get on the laptop to help people visualise the fix.

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IMPORTANT NOTE...
*Do your research on seat removal... disconnect the battery before unplugging your seat. (Yes this is annoying but must be done!)

Hope this is useful to someone in future and saves you a few £££££

Re: Handbrake ratchet (lever) EASY FIX e53 bmw

Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2018 8:01 am
by Alan Gunn
Thanks for that one.
It might come in handy one day.

Re: Handbrake ratchet (lever) EASY FIX e53 bmw

Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2018 11:35 pm
by sleepyfolk
If you’re disconnecting the battery to avoid airbag faults, you can just take out fuse 44 (double check the fuse number my memory might be bad!) and then you can disconnect airbags without getting a fault light

Re: Handbrake ratchet (lever) EASY FIX e53 bmw

Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2018 7:51 am
by Entwicklung34
No problem Alan cheers mate.

And sleepyfolk great point that... might come in handy that for me in future and save messing with the spare wheel etc

Re: Handbrake ratchet (lever) EASY FIX e53 bmw

Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2018 8:50 am
by Entwicklung34
Quick note to say it sailed through the MOT yesterday and the handbrake has been operating perfectly since filing in the new teeth.

Another year before having to worry about that again!!

Handbrake ratchet (lever) EASY FIX e53 bmw

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2023 1:53 am
by scotthnz
I tried This and It worked a treat. Didnt unplug seats, just unbolted and moved back to access handbrake

Handbrake ratchet (lever) EASY FIX e53 bmw

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2023 3:01 pm
by Australianforester
You are a genius mate!!! Stumbled across your solution by pure chance when looking for a handbrake lever. At the same time, dreading all the faff to replace the lever.
Tried your method. Can't believe how easy it was to do.
All working perfectly now and cost me nothing except about half hour of my afternoon!

Handbrake ratchet (lever) EASY FIX e53 bmw

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2023 4:26 pm
by X5Sport
And :hi: to the Forum as well :thumbsup: :thumbsup: