Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing New handbrake rule caused MOT failure

I've been taking my Morgans to the same garage for the last 22 years for MOT and it failed today on the handbrake lever travel. Apparently there's a new rule that requires the lever to not reach the stop so although the efficiency was well over the requirement the tester (same guy in all that time and definitely not a jobsworth) had to fail it.
Correct me if I'm wrong but as far as I understand the operation of the trad Morgan handbrake it will always reach the stop, if adjusted so far up that it doesn't reach the stop you'll get hot brakes - as I had in the early days of ownership.
He's happy with my explanation and will pass on re-test but I just thought it'd be interesting to hear what others think on this.
Incidentally it also failed on a leaky shock absorber, irritating but easy enough to fix.

I would be concerned if my handbrake hit the stop as it allows no room for cable stretch. I always adjust mine so that I can get a finger in the slot and have no issues at all with brakes binding.
It is worth loosening the adjustment to well slack, pump the brake pedal hard a few times to ensure the auto adjusters have taken up, then re adjust handbrake. If you then jack up the rear and spin the wheels by hand with handbrake off, you will easily hear if the linings are rubbing or not. You can even apply the handbrake in increments to determine at which point it starts to bite.

Thanks Doug,
I had already set up the brakes but a long time ago I was told the hand brake shouldn’t be adjusted right up so I’ve always done it as far as required to hold the car and no more.
I changed the rear shock absorbers today so adjusted the handbrake too and as you say, no problem so thanks for your advice, job done 😊

Good job done. 👍