International Lancia Forums

Hi there,

I've stripped one of the rear calipers on my '85 Delta GT1600, for a clean/lubricate in the hope that this will improve the handbrake some...

Having removed the threaded self-adjuster pin from the back of the caliper (where the handbrake mechanism is), I'm wondering if the self-adjuster spring inside the piston needs to be rewound before reassembly. If so, does anyone know how to do this, and have any other tips for reassembly (e.g. how far in or out does the self-adjuster pin need to be screwed)?

Any thoughts much appreciated.

Nick Haigh
Kent, UK

Hello,
I have had Betas and Deltas for almost 20 years and have never fully understood how the self-adjusting works! However I can tell you that the spring is not "wound", it just sits there and I reckon that its natural coiling effect is enough to cause the correct rotation (just like a retractable ball point pen). So you "simply" re-assemble the bits then screw the piston back in to the caliper. Getting the mechanism back together is easy enough if you can clamp the body in a vice.

Good luck, Leo

Thanks Leo,

I think I see what you mean about the spring. Sure enough, if one "just" reassembles it and tests it, the self-adjusting seems to work.

In your experience, does stripping and cleaning the calipers generally restore efficient operation of the handbrake? Or is it a case of more serious refurbishment / replacement? (Though I note one can't get them new anymore).

Thanks again

Nick

Hello Nick,
Yes the rebuild will help for a while, use plenty of copper grease when re-assembling and slap some in under the rubber covers around early December so as to decrease salt penetration over the winter.
The handbrake cables are god at seizing up though so if yours is working OK slap lots of copper grease in to the end bits while the caliper is disconnected.

Betacar can supply exchange units.

Leo

Thanks Leo. I've reassembled and things do seem somewhat better - and good enough to pass the MoT!

Cheers for the advice.

Nick