Exact location of Handbrake Compensator access

Lord of Hog · 14th February 2017, 08:49

In the search for the cause of the irritating intermittent knock from the rear footwell tunnel I'm going to have a look at the handbrake compensator to see if there's anything loose in there. Having looked at the "How To" for getting at it it struck me that I might be able to cut an access hatch in the carpet (either fully removable or just cut on three sides so it flaps back). This would be held in place under normal circumstances either by Velcro or gum or some such and would allow access to the compensator cover plate thus doing away with the need to lift the rear carpet.

So ... has anyone got the exact co-ordinates of the plate so I know where to make my incision?

EastPete · 14th February 2017, 08:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord of Hog

In the search for the cause of the irritating intermittent knock from the rear footwell tunnel I'm going to have a look at the handbrake compensator to see if there's anything loose in there. Having looked at the "How To" for getting at it it struck me that I might be able to cut an access hatch in the carpet (either fully removable or just cut on three sides so it flaps back). This would be held in place under normal circumstances either by Velcro or gum or some such and would allow access to the compensator cover plate thus doing away with the need to lift the rear carpet.

So ... has anyone got the exact co-ordinates of the plate so I know where to make my incision?

I might be wrong, but I think the centre console has to be raised to be able to remove the cover plate, so taking a knife to the carpet may not work. I have only done one HC in my time (and that was enough- the fact that some folks volunteer to do them for free at club meets impresses me hugely !)

Pete

EastPete · 14th February 2017, 09:01

Another thought- I assume you have checked the exhaust system and cross braces under the tunnel, as possible sources of the knock ?
Pete

hogweed · 14th February 2017, 11:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord of Hog

In the search for the cause of the irritating intermittent knock from the rear footwell tunnel I'm going to have a look at the handbrake compensator to see if there's anything loose in there

Yeah you've got to lift the back end of the console and all sorts of things mate. But I'd be very surprised if it could be involved in any kind of "knocking" noise - it's only little

Oh, and has 3 cables attached to it all the time, so not really prone to waving around...

ceedy · 14th February 2017, 12:28

why not just apply 1 click to take up any suspected cable slack and see if that stops it .. unlikely tho' as never known a compensator do anything other than stretch

..
C

COLVERT · 14th February 2017, 15:21

Exactly what our Mr Ceedy says.-----

stevestrat · 14th February 2017, 15:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastPete

Another thought- I assume you have checked the exhaust system and cross braces under the tunnel, as possible sources of the knock ?
Pete

I'd agree with this. Tired exhaust rubbers can cause the system to drop just enough to bring the tunnel cross braces within reach of the normal exhaust movement. The exhaust hitting the cross brace tends to give a very solid "clunk".

Duotone · 14th February 2017, 16:18

This is the location.

Dave T

Lord of Hog · 14th February 2017, 17:58

Should have added that I WAS aware that the centre console still has to be lifted but that's a small task compared to all that carpet rolling.

Interesting suggestion about the exhaust rubbers though. The one's on the rear were changed when I did the rear box a few months back but I suppose I could change the front ones. I couldn't get the same noise simply by getting underneath and shaking the exhaust but then perhaps it can't be replicated when static. I'll give it a go.

T16 · 14th February 2017, 20:41

I find the compensator easiest to do from underneath.

Maybe I am remembering this wholly incorrectly, but I do not remember actually having to remove the exhaust... I think you can drop it off its hangars, and move to the side a little to allow access to the compensator rubber cover and inspect from there.

Hopefully someone with a better memory can advise

14th February 2017, 08:49	#1
Lord of Hog Gets stuck in Rover 75 2.5 V6 in Wedgwood Blue Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Felbridge, East Grinstead Posts: 982 Thanks: 250 Thanked 294 Times in 206 Posts	Exact location of Handbrake Compensator access In the search for the cause of the irritating intermittent knock from the rear footwell tunnel I'm going to have a look at the handbrake compensator to see if there's anything loose in there. Having looked at the "How To" for getting at it it struck me that I might be able to cut an access hatch in the carpet (either fully removable or just cut on three sides so it flaps back). This would be held in place under normal circumstances either by Velcro or gum or some such and would allow access to the compensator cover plate thus doing away with the need to lift the rear carpet. So ... has anyone got the exact co-ordinates of the plate so I know where to make my incision? __________________ Conformity is not morality. Consensus is not truth.

14th February 2017, 12:28	#5
ceedy This is my second home All Trophy Blue ,ZT260#50 , ZT CDTI Auto, ZR105+ and 1.8T Firefrost spoiling the Set . Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nr Sherborne But in Somerset.. Posts: 6,075 Thanks: 916 Thanked 1,214 Times in 768 Posts	why not just apply 1 click to take up any suspected cable slack and see if that stops it .. unlikely tho' as never known a compensator do anything other than stretch .. C __________________ The Three Bloo's Wifey's Zr105, MY CDTI & 260 #50 and Number One sons 1.8T in Firefrost When I were a lad Zero to 142 in 10.25 secs at the Pod on my Blown Norton. 210 Kart Champ in 70's

14th February 2017, 17:58	#9
Lord of Hog Gets stuck in Rover 75 2.5 V6 in Wedgwood Blue Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Felbridge, East Grinstead Posts: 982 Thanks: 250 Thanked 294 Times in 206 Posts	Should have added that I WAS aware that the centre console still has to be lifted but that's a small task compared to all that carpet rolling. Interesting suggestion about the exhaust rubbers though. The one's on the rear were changed when I did the rear box a few months back but I suppose I could change the front ones. I couldn't get the same noise simply by getting underneath and shaking the exhaust but then perhaps it can't be replicated when static. I'll give it a go. __________________ Conformity is not morality. Consensus is not truth.

14th February 2017, 09:01	#3
EastPete Posted a thing or two Rover 75 CDTi Classic saloon, MGB GT, Skoda Yeti Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ramsey, Cambs Posts: 1,874 Thanks: 626 Thanked 635 Times in 430 Posts	Another thought- I assume you have checked the exhaust system and cross braces under the tunnel, as possible sources of the knock ? Pete

14th February 2017, 15:21	#6
COLVERT This is my second home R75 Saloon. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: France/or Devon. Posts: 14,003 Thanks: 3,851 Thanked 2,167 Times in 1,816 Posts	Exactly what our Mr Ceedy says.-----

14th February 2017, 16:18	#8
Duotone This is my second home 75 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Leeds Posts: 8,432 Thanks: 176 Thanked 907 Times in 716 Posts	This is the location. Dave T

14th February 2017, 20:41	#10
T16 I really should get out more....... ZT CDTi 135, ZT260SE Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Dundee Posts: 2,877 Thanks: 10 Thanked 331 Times in 213 Posts	I find the compensator easiest to do from underneath. Maybe I am remembering this wholly incorrectly, but I do not remember actually having to remove the exhaust... I think you can drop it off its hangars, and move to the side a little to allow access to the compensator rubber cover and inspect from there. Hopefully someone with a better memory can advise