Handbrake failure

u One of the modern additions to the motor vehicle that I am not a fan of is the electric handbrake, I much prefer a proper mechanical lever.

The Renault Megane electric handbrake in particular is not only problematic but it still employs cables to do the work of pulling the brake on – but with the added complexity of a motor that needs setting-up using diagnostic equipment.

The unit on this Megane had failed, for no other reason than the cables had frayed – but the cables aren’t available separately and so the complete unit needs to be changed. The upside is that the assembly is very easily fitted, but the job still ends up in the region of £600 with the VAT.

The unit uses an electric motor controlled by its own electronic unit to simply pull the handbrake cables on and release them when required.