2006 Subaru Liberty - Handbrake not engaging

[specwarop]

Hey all,

Well I have an issue with my handbrake. Occasionally when I go to put the handbrake on, it simply doesnt engage. Whatever inside the mechanism that is meant to click into place, just isnt happening.
Also, something that is more worrisome, when I put the handbrake on, and it has engaged, it will automatically disengage.

Whats going on here, which part will I need to replace and can I do it myself?

Regards

[jax0n]

I've noticed this on mine also. Interested to see what comes out of this thread

[d-chang]

Mine does this slightly too... still rolls back when its on the slightest of inclines... now i just avoid parking on all inclines altogether...

[specwarop]

Anybody able to help???

[KiDo_Tuning]

Gently pry up the Hand Brake Boot and check to see you dont have anything obstucting the ratchet mechanism.

2 other things would be making sure the handbrake cable is not damaged and also, that the hand brake shoes in the rear brakes are not worn/damaged.

[DownUnder]

If you're talking about the handle not engaging check the spring that makes the ratchet click it may br bent or worn or noy seat correctly also do what matt said and give the whole mechanism a check over. Next step is to adjust the handbrake. If you feel confident with your mechanical abilities. If not take it to a brake shop they should be able to adjust it within minutes...

[Ray]

I know this is an old thread but did the OP find out the problem.

My '06 has the same problem and a month a go I had to chase it down my driveway which ended badly for me and the car. By the time I managed to stop it my door and guard were damaged and I was half hanging out of the car and the front wheel came to stop on top of my right foot. My daughter was in the back so if didn't try to stop it it could have gone through the back fence or hit the house.

I was told I was lucky not to break my foot but it still did a fair bit of damage and is still healing a month later.

The car is fixed but the handbrake still slips every now and then.

I'm going to get it looked as I don't want a repeat incident.

[renan_don18]

I know this is an old thread but did the OP find out the problem.

My '06 has the same problem and a month a go I had to chase it down my driveway which ended badly for me and the car. By the time I managed to stop it my door and guard were damaged and I was half hanging out of the car and the front wheel came to stop on top of my right foot. My daughter was in the back so if didn't try to stop it it could have gone through the back fence or hit the house.

I was told I was lucky not to break my foot but it still did a fair bit of damage and is still healing a month later.

The car is fixed but the handbrake still slips every now and then.

I'm going to get it looked as I don't want a repeat incident.

Hope you're okay man! must have be quite an ordeal for you.
Sometimes my handbrake does it too, i always just make sure and then put it in first gear whether im parked on a slope or not. I thought it was just a thing that everyone does with a manual?

[Ray]

Normally I leave it in gear but I left car running and got out to speak to a mate. We were standing in front of it for about 5 mins before it started to roll. It was really stupid of me because I knew the handbrake had slipped in the past so I shouldn't have trusted it. However, if it's going to release it usually does it straight away, not after it's been on for a while.

[Ray]

This is what it did to the foot. Very heavy front ends, a lot of pain. Excuse the leg warmers

[jslayz]

ouch

Please let us know what you find.
Thanks

j

[mitchel009]

My MY06 3l r-b has the same problem!
Ive downloaded a parts book and the part number for the handbrake leaver assy is 26001ag100
subaru w/h sydney has six currently so thats saying something
$320 incl not fitted
or about $80 at the wreckers
the handbrake applies at the rear wheels each side and the cables run down the twin exhausts
Im not a mechanic but if its not the button or the gears/pawls in the mechanism at the leaver could it be the cable creating back tension to pull the leaver back down as it mostly happens when the car is cold.
Im currently looking for a new mechanic in the Campbelltown area as mine carried on like a clown when i tried explaining it to him which is frustrating when it could be somebody's life oneday.
If anyone knows an easier way to fix this other than replacing the part and can ensure its solid Please let me know.