Thread: EPB. Why?

Not computerised, just like an electric actuator that engages it - i do agree its a daft idea, i avoid using mine as much as possible.

I like it. Its always tensioned to the right amount, for one, it can't be taken off by kids in the car, for two, and it automatically adjusts o equal tension each side. Its way better than my i30's manual handbrake.

Yes, it could have been designed better, mainly with a sensor that warned it was nearing Max travel and the drums needed adjusting, as well as a limiter that stopped it from jamming.

I've found that adjusting it as part of a regular service (which should probably be done with most cars anyway) keeps it from playing up. Having suitable grommets in the access holes to keep the muck out also helps

It also has some offroad Functionality
RTFM and you may find out

And the wash out the gunk with a hose through the grommet hole at adjustment time works a treat. As long as adjusted properly it will work fine all the time.

Safety. The passenger can apply it at any speed, it cuts the throttle & brings the vehicle to a stop using the brakes. Keep your nose away from the windscreen when you try it.

A conventional hand brake takes up a lot of real estate on the console and is very hard to configure for RHD and LHD layouts. A switch solves both of these issues.

The emergency stop function is also a good party trick. Try it with one wheel off on the gravel shoulder. It will pull up nice and straight even with the vastly different braking capacity side to side.

AH, but the old drum brake on the driveshaft locks all four wheels when the diff is locked, and can be used on steep downhills if you feel the discs are getting hot. And they NEVER give problems.

IMHO the main reason for the electric brake is to reduce NVH as there is no cable from a mechanical device to the cabin.

To me it is useless innovation for innovation's sake and judging by the many many posts about problems is just about the most troublesome "feature" of a D3.

I think Bosch developed it and sold it to many carmakers as a device to reduce NVH. Like electric discs on MBs which AFAIK were discontinued very quickly.

Regards Philip A

Thanks all, some interesting info and ideas there. Appreciate the answers.