Im looking for a way to install a push button for the parkling brake in the RD2. Im looking to do something different with the center console and I know this can be done and shouldnt be to hard I dont think.

Ive looked around the web and cant really come up with any information about adding this to an existing system with a handle. If anyone has any idea where I would be able to get started on this I would appreciate it.

Here is what I know for sure that I will need:
Push button - Not exactly sure on what style yet but that will not be hard
Actuator - shouldnt be to hard to find a donor car for this, I think most are vacuum actuated
Probably a custom bracket to attach the cables
Some wiring

Really shouldnt turn into a big project at all if it goes like Im hoping it will. Ill write up a DIY when I do it if anyone else ever wants to do it. Wouldnt look right with a hole where the handle is now though.

 

That would be interesting. I would think you would want ot also keep the mechanical ratcheting system as well just in case. I would think some sort of electric motor would do the trick. Only problem is getting to to stop after an amount of time.

 

Hmm, maybe converting to a hydraulic ebrake system would make it easier?

I've seen a lot of info about these conversion kits at Nopi and such for drifters.

 

try searching for "linear actuator" and see if you come across anything interesting. Keeping the ratcheting is a good idea, but then you need to be able to disengage it too, which is a little more complicated but probably still doable.

If you find another car with a pushbutton brake or electronicall controlled or whatever, buy or study the mechanism to get some more ideas.

And don't forget the pictures!

 

im thinking the actuator would have to be really strong and maybe too big. the ebrake handle gives a pretty huge mechanical advantage via lever.

i am eventually going to change to rear hydraulic brakes(like redz said) to get rid of the whole parking brake issue with upgraded calipers. you should consider using it with an actuator. you could get a pretty small master cylinder so that the force needed fromt he actuator isn't too big, just make sure you have enough stroke.

some master cylinders you can plumb inline with a brake stream.

 

I guess Ill have to look exactly how the ones with only a button are setup. I never considered that they may be hydraulic and not mechanical.

 

Ericy -- to help you with your search of which cars have a push button parking brake. Look at the VW Passat 2.0T I know for sure it has a push button parking brake, my friend owns one. He doesn't have the service manual so I can't scan you any photos of its setup. Hopefully it points you to the right direction. Please keep us updated, I'm wondering about this setup as well.

 

ONe thing though guys, and I'm surprised no one brought it up, but it's not technically a PARKING BRAKE, it's an EMERGENCY BRAKE.

Imagine your brakes fail and you need to use your ebrake...

 

When I first was thinking about it I imagined it staying mechanical. But now it seems as though they are probably all hydraulic. That being the case I need to look into the safety also. I know quite a few cars now have only this so it must be safe enough to rely on it for emergency as well. Sounds like it would have its own master cylinder to control the brakes. Im looking into it.

 

http://www.importshark.com/allperformance/...php?image_id=40
dn if this helps...