The FAI brake cable range has received a further boost with the addition of 13 new part numbers. These cover many important in-demand applications including the Alfa 156 and 147, MINI and light commercial vehicles including Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, plus Opel, Fiat, Nissan Renault and Iveco vans.

In all the FAI cable range has over 2500 applications, representing around 85% market coverage.  FAI say their brake cables are made to OE specifications and are 100% load-tested, with all manufacturing materials certificated to ensure they meet the required specification of ISO 9002. For added corrosion protection all parts are galvanised and where specified by O.E. design, the inner wire has a nylon cover.

Brake cables can often cause problems on a vehicle, especially with automatic transmission, often due to poor driver habits. Relatively minor problems can also quickly become more serious if a worn or damaged cable is not replaced.

Damage to the brake cable often starts with a small crack in the outer polyamide cover, which disintegrates with water and dirt ingress. This causes corrosion and the outer diameter of the cable expands irregularly, which means that the cable cannot move smoothly.

An added issue is that many car owners with automatic transmission forget to use their hand- brake when they park their vehicles, relying instead on ‘Park’ to hold the vehicle. The parking brake is required to activate the rear braking system which in turns keeps the rear brakes adjusted. Not using the hand-brake can lead to a build up of corrosion on the cable, resulting in its failure to function.

FAI point out the most common form of brake cable failure is that the hand brake cannot be released, which can lead to; overheating brakes, grinding noise and high wear and tear or the car  not moving. A less common but very significant failure is no hand brake function. In all cases replacement is the best solution.

You can see the full FAI application listing on the FAI Online Catalogue. It is also available on MAM.