Handbrake setup on the Z3 1.9

[MikeK]

Hi,

I was replacing my rear brake discs and pads and the handbrake spring bolts fell off.
The alen bit of the screw with the spring seems to be made to go through the front and it basically hooks on the dust shield of the brake disc.

The problem is that probably due to rust the hole that this screw hooks on is very large so those screws wouldnt stick in from the front.
I am not an engineer so maybe what i did is stupid, but i put them backwards so that the screw and spring are against the dust shield and the hook grabs the handbrake pads that are solid.

I cant see any issues with it being backwards, to me it seems like it shouldnt pull the shield any more causing interference with the disc and they wouldnt really come off very easily even though they are exposed.

The whole point i started this was because of grinding noises in the rear. So far looks like discs and pads were worn but handbrake is looking bad too, could need adjusting. I may just get rid of it if i buy a hydro brake.

My question is, is the backwards bolt stupid?

Thanks!

 

[colb]

The brake shoe retaining pins and spring must be fitted on the outside, fitting them on the rear they wont be exerting spring pressure in the correct direction. If the pins have pulled through the holes in the backplate dust shield then use a suitable size nut and bolt and washers so the bolt shank won't pull through the backplate holes like the pins have done.

 

[IainP]

Nope, many cars are like that from the factory and it causes far less problems than the BMW design.
An alternative is to use bolts and nyloc nuts when the backplate is completely fubar’d.

 

[IainP]

Actually, no. Now I look at the pic properly
Have you fitted spring retainer cups to hold the spring against the shoe, as Colb mentions above?
These type of things

 

[MikeK]

Actually, no. Now I look at the pic properly
Have you fitted spring retainer cups to hold the spring against the shoe, as Colb mentions above?

The sping is on the back of the shield with the head of the screw.
Which would mean that the handbrake shoe is getting pulled against the dust shield in exactly the same way by the spring only the spring is on the other end of the assembly with the scew head if that makes sense.
Force is still applied in the same direction by the spring i think its just that the tabs grab and pull the brake shoe instead of the dust shield.

A washer though does soung like the safest option!

 

[MikeK]

Actually, no. Now I look at the pic properly
Have you fitted spring retainer cups to hold the spring against the shoe, as Colb mentions above?
These type of things
View attachment 206617

From what i found online Z3s didnt come with those washers but you can get them if the shield is rusted like mine.
Seems like a proper solution.
But will my temporary fix work? Even for a few months?

 

[colb]

I wouldn't want the spring on the rear side of the dust shield to get all rusty and end up letting go. Find some long slender bolts and nylock nuts to use with the retaining cups on the spring. Head of bolt at the rear of the dust shield spring and retaining cup inside and on the outer side of the brake shoe, secured with the nylock nut.

 

[t-tony]

If you're going to bodge it, bodge it properly.

Tony.

 

[MikeK]

https://www.eurocarparts.com/search...0_ldvOIZ_Sdq9aw_6kX2GrgEkf_VaLzhoCIN0QAvD_BwE

I found this kit that has washers and screws and everything I may need.
Hope my solution lasts a week until I can get this

 

[jaguartvr]

You need to replace the backplate, it is a very common problem. To do the job properly you have to remove the rear bearing which makes it a big job however, you can cut a slot in the backplate so you can twist it over the end of the mounting flange and then just bolt it on, a very simple job. You just slit it on the narrowest section.
There are a couple of threads showing the procedure but can't find them at the moment.
You don't have to weld the slot back, some LB weld will work.

Don't waste your money on the Europarts kit, the problem as you have worked out is the rusted out holes that the pins lock into, replacing the backplate is the only option.

 

[MikeK]

Thanks for the replies! I think i am going to get a kit with all the washers and new bolts and springs maybe next month.
Replacing the bearing and all that is something i REALLY want to avoid unless 100% neccessary, mechanic told me 300£ each side and it will take me 2weeks to do it myself and probably buying 300£ of tools.

But... it works i dont know about MOT but 1st gear pushing and it holds fine!