Post hand brake recall

[beachlife]

So my Vectra has had the hand brake altered after the recall. So am I suppose to continue with the process Vauxhall recommended when engaging the handbrake? Or is it safe to use the handbrake like every other car?

[Big Dave]

With any manual gearbox car it's always advisable to leave in gear when parking up. After all said and done all you're relying on to stop your car from rolling away is a wire cable.

The handbook advises this, as well as turning your front wheels into the kerb when parking on a very steep hill.

[beachlife]

Thanks Dave what I was trying to know was that Vauxhall before the recall suggested that we don`t depress the button as you engage the handbrake. So now that the work has been done do we now press the button on the handbrake or continue to pull the handbrake without pressing the button?

[Ste]

The best way to apply the handbrake is the method that I have used for all my driving life.

Hold button in, pull the lever up. Then release the button and pull the lever for a further couple of clicks. This way ensures correct engagement of the purl and also minimises wear to the teeth of the ratchet.

I have NEVER had a hand brake fail or drop off.

I also leave it in gear, every time. This is also a good security measure, as a car can be stolen much easier if all there is to do is snip the hand brake cable and push or tow it away....... leaving it in gear makes this method of steeling much more difficult

[beachlife]

I`m obviously not making myself clear.I understand the various methods that you can apply the handbrake. However Vauxhall before the recall issued a recommended method of applying the handbrake. Following the recall do we still have to pull the handbrake up without pushing the button in? I have always engaged the button in every other car and always thought this was how to apply it (otherwise why is the button there?). Or even after the recall work has been carried out are Vauxhall still suggesting we engage the handbrake with the method I was sent and applied their sticker with instructions of how to apply the handbrake to my sunvisor?

[Ste]

Firstly the button is there to release the handbrake primarily.

If you want to be ultra safe then stick to the VX suggested method, or adapted for your personal taste, similar to my previous post. The end result is the same - a couple of ratchet clicks without holding the button in will ensure correct engagement of the pawl in the ratchet...

OR, why not contact VX for their take on it too, maybe no-one has thought about asking them before, now the 'fix' is in place....?


vauxhall.customerassistance@gm.com

[barkzz]

I`m obviously not making myself clear.I understand the various methods that you can apply the handbrake. However Vauxhall before the recall issued a recommended method of applying the handbrake. Following the recall do we still have to pull the handbrake up without pushing the button in? I have always engaged the button in every other car and always thought this was how to apply it (otherwise why is the button there?). Or even after the recall work has been carried out are Vauxhall still suggesting we engage the handbrake with the method I was sent and applied their sticker with instructions of how to apply the handbrake to my sunvisor?

Vauxhall placed this recomendation due to the flack they were getting off trading standards and VOSA. They knew that the vast majority of people wouldnt be taking the steps they outlined. This prevented a flood of claims coming in, from people leaving the car in neutral, and the handbrake releasing, and casuing damage to property/car etc.

As others have said, I always leave it in gear, and pull the handbrake with the button pressed in, then i pull it up another two or three notches, so you can hear the ratchet.

It ensures it's engaged properly.

Id continue on them lines. There is no way would i leave a car parked, with the handbrake on alone. Call me over cautious but it's better to be safe than sorry.

[beachlife]

Contacted Vauxhall and received this reply :

" Thank you for your e mail dated 22 April 2009 regarding your Vauxhall Vectra.

I can confirm that our Manufacturers Recommendation remains, when engaging the handbrake without pressing the button. This programme was instigated when investigations showed that a number of customers were applying the handbrake incorrectly, the addition of the spring is to minimise the risk of rolling of the vehicle if these instructions are not followed.

Thank you again for contacting us and allowing me the opportunity to comment. "

[gary k]

when mine went in for the recall, they fitted a sticker to the sunvisor with instructions

[beachlife]

I already had a sticker sent to me before the recall and had fitted it to the sunvisor. Did you get a sticker put on your visor because you either hadn`t received one before the recall or you hadn`t put it on yourself?