View Full Version : MK4 E Brake
While waiting on more wrong and back ordered parts, I started working on the E brake handle. Can anyone tell me if this looks correct? The bolt is rubbing against the aluminum panel. Is there more adjustment I can do or do I need to cut the panel?
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Waterman
12-31-2025, 02:38 PM
Happy new years eve. I had my two handle bolts with head towards the tunnel. Otherwise it looks fine. BUT I would strongly suggest you move handle to top of tunnel like the new MK5. You can not reach the handle when belted in. Moving handle was easy as I documented in my build file. Now is the time to do it. Only one part to purchase.
223438
Ok I’ll give that a try and take a look at your build. Got lots bookmarked. Missed yours. Thanks!
I’m slightly confused also as to what these additional brackets are for I can’t find it anywhere in the additional instructions or the build manual what these are for.
223443
Update. Well the instructions are wrong. Make no mention of the brackets and spacers. I found the parts diagram and am going to try and make it based off that.
i.e.427
12-31-2025, 04:38 PM
The handle is rubbing because you don't have the aluminum panel glued and attached with the pop rivets. The panel needs to be sucked tight to the chassis. Here is a video explaining it. Go to the 16 minute mark in the video.
Frank
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc-vcr15erc&list=PLDlFwXKm54ocTfAY0kLnGZAtlIL_i4FJ6&index=32&t=206s
Haha. Sometimes it’s the simplest things. Probably would help a lot of builders if they had all the parts to begin with building these cars instead of jumping around trying to find **** to do. Thanks Frank!
PMD24
12-31-2025, 05:14 PM
It's a common problem. I reversed the handle bolts putting the head on the inside, used shorter ones, and low profile nylocs. I also loosed the mounting bracket connections to the frame and pushed the rear mount toward the driver's side as far as it would go, and the front as far as it would go toward the passenger side. Ended up with decent clearance.
If you need a few low profile locknuts, let me know and I'll stick some in the mail to you. I had to buy bag of 25 or something like that.
Pat
Thanks pat! Just curious did you have a problem with the instructions as well? When I followed the instructions I had extra pieces but when I followed the parts diagram I came up with with. Works well but it doesn’t fit the mount anymore because of the extra handle support.
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PMD24
01-01-2026, 09:12 AM
Thanks pat! Just curious did you have a problem with the instructions as well? When I followed the instructions I had extra pieces but when I followed the parts diagram I came up with with. Works well but it doesn’t fit the mount anymore because of the extra handle support.
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It has been a while since I assembled that but don't recall having a problem. I did use the manual photos along with photos from the forum. There are a few photos in my thread at posts 152 and 159. I'll be working on the car today so if other photos can help, let me know and I'll take some and send today. Pretty sure that your final assembly looks different than mine.
Pat
rich grsc
01-01-2026, 10:11 AM
Well turn the bolts around. :rolleyes:
You're building a car, somethings you need to figure out and make adjustments to fit and work.
Well turn the bolts around. :rolleyes:
You're building a car, somethings you need to figure out and make adjustments to fit and work.
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Dondero14
01-01-2026, 09:00 PM
I’m slightly confused also as to what these additional brackets are for I can’t find it anywhere in the additional instructions or the build manual what these are for.
223443
Update. Well the instructions are wrong. Make no mention of the brackets and spacers. I found the parts diagram and am going to try and make it based off that.
If it’s a newer mk4 kit they send you the setup for the mk5 ebrake. If you look at the mk5 build manual you’ll see where those parts go. I got my kit back in Sept and had the same thing. I put it together like the Mk 5 setup and it’s a pain in the a$$ because it doesn’t fit on the mount properly unless you do some trimming on the mount itself. I was told though that the new style ebrake is a lot more rugged and sturdier than the mk4 setup. I noticed this issue when taking inventory and none of the part numbers matched the mk4 manual but everything was spot on in the mk5 manual.
Dondero14
01-01-2026, 10:47 PM
The handle is rubbing because you don't have the aluminum panel glued and attached with the pop rivets. The panel needs to be sucked tight to the chassis. Here is a video explaining it. Go to the 16 minute mark in the video.
Frank
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc-vcr15erc&list=PLDlFwXKm54ocTfAY0kLnGZAtlIL_i4FJ6&index=32&t=206s
Great advise Frank thanks for that. I’ll be looking into riveting that wall to the frame now. I always wondered about that wall whether it should stay free like that or be pushed in and secured because I didn’t see any rivets on it in the manual anywhere.
I got it on using some of the newer parts to make it more sturdy but dont like the way it is almost rubbing against the aluminum panel now. With heat dynamat and carpet i dont see it working out that well. Might just seal up the hole and go with an electric setup.
edwardb
01-02-2026, 09:40 AM
Factory Five updated the E-brake handle sometime between my last build and my current Mk5 Roadster build. I documented it here in my Mk5 build thread: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?51545-EdwardB%92s-Mk5-30th-Anniversary-Build-Radiator-Expansion-Tank-Brake-Reservoir-Horn&p=585321&viewfull=1#post585321. Looks like they gave you the updated parts content but didn't update the build manual. It happens. The added parts significantly improve the handle IMO. As others have suggested, orient the parts and bend the side panel a bit to fit the handle and make it work properly. Don't forget to allow for the thickness of the insulation (if used) and carpet that will be around the handle.
Factory Five updated the E-brake handle sometime between my last build and my current Mk5 Roadster build. I documented it here in my Mk5 build thread: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?51545-EdwardB%92s-Mk5-30th-Anniversary-Build-Radiator-Expansion-Tank-Brake-Reservoir-Horn&p=585321&viewfull=1#post585321. Looks like they gave you the updated parts content but didn't update the build manual. It happens. The added parts significantly improve the handle IMO. As others have suggested, orient the parts and bend the side panel a bit to fit the handle and make it work properly. Don't forget to allow for the thickness of the insulation (if used) and carpet that will be around the handle.
Thanks for the info! that makes sense now. I was able to use the updated inside portion to make it more sturdy and removed the outside bracket so it would fit. Once i get the brakes on ill see how the cables feel. If it doesnt work im going to go with the wilwood Electric brake assembly.
Thanks for the help guys.
Avalanche325
01-02-2026, 04:12 PM
I can reach the handle just fine in the stock location. Even when shoulder bruising strapped in for a track day.
edwardb
01-02-2026, 04:19 PM
I can reach the handle just fine in the stock location. Even when shoulder bruising strapped in for a track day.
Same here, and I'm not that big of a guy. Not sure why that's so regularly posted. Plus for all the authenticity guys, that's where the originals were located. Although I do like the top mounted e-brake on my Coupe and now the Mk5 Roadster.
In addition to turning the bolts around, cutting and repatching the side panel worked well for me. You can see the outline of the new hole and patch under the insulation.
223566
Just be sure the brake boot covers the hole.
223565
In addition to turning the bolts around, cutting and repatching the side panel worked well for me. You can see the outline of the new hole and patch under the insulation.
223566
Just be sure the brake boot covers the hole.
223565
My fitment is identical to yours. Thanks for the picture! makes me feel better about cutting the panel to make it fit. Once I get everything installed ill seal up the hole with some new aluminum and my kilmat.
Your build is nice looking by the way! Good job!