Need advice regarding my Leaf with failed handbrake

[Weaker_87]

Hello, everyone!

I will be short. In 2018 I bought a 2012 Leaf with around 9k miles. Shortly after, the handbrake fault came on, and it turned out the electronic handbrake actuator failed. The cost to replace it is around $3500. Obviously, that's too much. I can't afford that, and I don't think I would give so much. Anyway, I am considering these options:

- To scrap the car, though it is in great condition;
- To replace the handbrake with a manual one, but I think I would have issues in the long term;
- buying the part from abroad, but I am not sure about the import taxes.

I would appreciate your thoughts!!

 

[Yesus_P]

Hello, everyone!

I will be short. In 2018 I bought a 2012 Leaf with around 9k miles. Shortly after, the handbrake fault came on, and it turned out the electronic handbrake actuator failed. The cost to replace it is around $3500. Obviously, that's too much. I can't afford that, and I don't think I would give so much. Anyway, I am considering these options:

- To scrap the car, though it is in great condition;
- To replace the handbrake with a manual one, but I think I would have issues in the long term;
- buying the part from abroad, but I am not sure about the import taxes.

I would appreciate your thoughts!!

What! $3,500 for a handbrake actuator is pretty steep. But since you said the car’s in great shape, scrapping seems like a last resort. A manual handbrake might work, but it could be a a pain in the neck long-term, and yeah importing the part could save you some cash, but yeah, those taxes are tricky. Maybe you should call around for secondhand parts or a cheaper mechanic?

 

[Lorand_91]

Try looking at used markets, eBay, eBay, wrecking yards, etc.

 

[LeftieBiker]

Someone here, I think it was Gerry, disassembled the unit, cleaned and lubed it, and then reassembled it, to find it worked again.

 

[nlspace]

There is already a lock when the shifter is in Park--there is a locking actuator on the gearbox to prevent rolling. So no hurry and no need to scrap the car. Get a used one or clean/fix the old one and grease it up.

 

[FinnishCoffee]

Being that the handbrake has already been faulty for 5 years, your existing module will more than likely be completely scrap: here's a picture of mine just a couple of weeks after it failed: (it did have clear signs of being opened before, and clearly wasn't sealed properly afterward). You could still try your luck in servicing it, this thread on SpeakEV has excellent instructions: https://www.speakev.com/threads/a-g...brake-failure-on-the-ze0-1st-gen-leaf.175764/ I got a good used one from a wrecking yard for 160€, and redid the sealing with silicone. Time will tell if it will hold up.

 

[Weaker_87]

Being that the handbrake has already been faulty for 5 years, your existing module will more than likely be completely scrap: here's a picture of mine just a couple of weeks after it failed: View attachment 5438 (it did have clear signs of being opened before, and clearly wasn't sealed properly afterward). You could still try your luck in servicing it, this thread on SpeakEV has excellent instructions: https://www.speakev.com/threads/a-g...brake-failure-on-the-ze0-1st-gen-leaf.175764/ I got a good used one from a wrecking yard for 160€, and redid the sealing with silicone. Time will tell if it will hold up.

Ok, this one is helpful! I appreciate it. In fact, thank you everyone for your input.

 

[cornbinder89]

One other option comes to mind. The 2015 (and some other MY) use a conventional foot operated E brake. If you find one in a junk yard you could likely just transfer over the parts.
I much prefer the foot operated style as it is very simple. Not sure why they used the electro-mechanical ones at all.

 

[atikovi]

Many options out there.
1) Live without the hand brake. The park actuator holds the car just fine. If you're still concerned put a wheel chock in place.
2) Get junkyard unit for $50.
3) Take out, take apart, and clean out your current one. Did that with mine and it worked great again.