Tips for getting the handbrake clevis pin back in please !!

[Lambo911]

Hi All,

I've put the IRS back in my car and it's all bolted up. All went well except when it has come to putting the clevis pin back in to reconnect the handbrake cable.

There is no way I can get my hand over the top to push the pin down. I can push it in from the bottom but then how do you get the split pin in..... it's driving me crazy.

I'm sure there must be a simple solution if anyone knows it ??

[1954Etype]

Can't help as I've never had a problem. Use an R clip instead of a sp,it pin though.

[Dave K]

I have had the same problem with the handbrake mod, the cable seemed shorter than standard.
All I can remember doing is holding the pin with long nosed pliers to get it in. Even then it was very hard to get the pin to slide through the whole mechanism.
Then use an R clip as Angus suggested.

Dave

[288gto]

A length of mig wire (or similar) with a tiny blob of araldite attaching it to the very end of the clevice pin that passes through the hole, making sure the araldite blob is smaller than the diameter of the pin. This allows you to feed the wire through the holes and guide the pin in. Once through the hole, a firm pull on the mig wire pulls it and the blob off. I suppose if yours was a very tight fit a stronger solution would be to solder the wire to the end a then release it with a soldering iron.

Simon

[42south]

I Know its not much help now, its one of those things jaguar left out of the maintenance manual. Hopefully this will help the next person.
The trick is to partially raise the IRS into position on DaveK's dolly, or similar then fit the pin whilst access is still easy, now lift the IRS the rest of the way.
Another tip is to leave the shock absorber and stabiliser arm bolts loose until you have let the suspension settle with the wheels on. Go for a short drive, then come back and tighten up the shocks and stabiliser arm bolts.
If you have used Nolothane bushes put plenty of lube in and around them to stop squeaking.

[Lambo911]

Thank you everyone.

Yes, attaching the cable before finally bolting the IRS in is the way to go if only I knew that in advance...

Attaching some wire to it sounds like it would work so I'll try that first.

[Lambo911]

Just to let you know, I went with the wire tip. I have a mig welder so chased out some wire and tacked it on the end. It was then just a case of feeding it through.

Easy!

I have left the wire on for the next time I might need it. :D