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ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Grand Vitara, Vitara, Chevy Tracker (Gen. 2 Platform) 1999-2005 => Topic started by: 3stagevtec on March 27, 2010, 12:29:53 AM

Title: Two handbrakes idea
Post by: 3stagevtec on March 27, 2010, 12:29:53 AM

It's just a silly idea that ran through my mind, tell me what you guys think about it..

I was thinking about how traction control works via the brakes on some vehicles and if there was a cheap DIY method to implement something similar.. I came up with installing two hand brake controls, one for each rear wheel so you can temporarily stop a spinning wheel to send traction to the wheel with grip..

I know that there are downsides, but couldn't such a simple system be used to help get you out of emergency situations if used wisely?

Possible or not worth the trouble??

Title: Re: Two handbrakes idea
Post by: fordem on March 27, 2010, 07:35:00 AM

Yup - it's known as "fiddle" brakes - check on shropshire suzuki, I think you'll find some stuff there.

Title: Re: Two handbrakes idea
Post by: 3stagevtec on March 28, 2010, 12:06:11 AM

i never knew about shropshire suzuki.. thanks for the term 'fiddle brakes', i'll do some more reading on the topic..

Title: Re: Two handbrakes idea
Post by: 97TRAKIN on March 30, 2010, 02:52:27 PM

Some of the old volkswagon beetles had a similer system. We called them cutting brakes. Backhoes have the same system with two brake peddles one for each back wheel. The peddels are pinned together but can be unpinned if needed for individual control.

Title: Re: Two handbrakes idea
Post by: gravity_powered on April 04, 2010, 06:20:40 AM

I have seen it done on a GV on another forum. Unfortunately the website of the build-up doesn't exist any more.

There are separate cables from each rear wheel coming up to the underside of the handbrake lever, with a pivoting plate connecting the two to the lever. All it takes is a bit of fabrication to mount a second lever and hook up the cables separately.

Title: Re: Two handbrakes idea
Post by: gravity_powered on April 04, 2010, 06:39:14 AM

Ok, so the page does still exist....

http://www.k9rdj.co.uk/stumpy/fiddlebrakes.htm (http://www.k9rdj.co.uk/stumpy/fiddlebrakes.htm)

Edit: Gone as quick as I found it. Link is dead.

Title: Re: Two handbrakes idea
Post by: Minion33088 on April 14, 2010, 08:27:38 PM

Quote from: gravity_powered on April 04, 2010, 06:20:40 AM

There are separate cables from each rear wheel coming up to the underside of the handbrake lever, with a pivoting plate connecting the two to the lever. All it takes is a bit of fabrication to mount a second lever and hook up the cables separately.

If you take the carpet out of the back you can see both cables running seperatly.  They go through the floor right behind the middle console.  It wouldn't be too hard to get a second e-brake handle and hook one up to each cable...like a cheap man's locker..one side starts to spin freely, so you apply the brake.

Title: Re: Two handbrakes idea
Post by: 97TRAKIN on May 05, 2010, 10:24:54 PM

Here's a pic for ya.
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_w1x_xocYCGk/SqYFNHghvnI/AAAAAAAABCA/uC8DXhiNX78/s1600/fiddlebrakes12%5B4%5D.jpg)