ALKO Brake Cables

Woody 3

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Hi. I know this subject has been raised before but the matter is now getting very silly. For all those people with tag axle Alko chassis Renault Master based Motorhomes then if you require brake cables then be sure you are in for a shock. Although they use Renault calipers the brake cables are not Renault but specials. Renault ones cost £12 to £15. Alko ones have been quoted today at £159 plus vat each! The part number is 224944. There are 4 fitted. That is a stagering £763. I am going to have one taken off and have them made, hopefully at around £60 each. If anyone wants to buy some once organised then please get in touch. I am not sure if this is a Renault thing or the same applies to later vehicles or Fiats. Mine is a Burstner 821 Delfin Performance.
 
The distinct trouble with making your own brake cables is that they will not be correctly stamped, so if you ever did have an accident and the DIY brake were deemed to be the cause then your insurance would be invalid and the heavy hand of the law could come crashing down on your head!
 
I am talking about having them made by a reputable brake cable maker who will stamp them much the same as the Alko ones which have no official markings. Why can Renault ones cost £15 which are fitted to hundreds of thousands of vans be any worse than the Alko ones. They are a parking brake cable and have no use whilst the van is moving.
 
Woody 3 said:
I am talking about having them made by a reputable brake cable maker who will stamp them much the same as the Alko ones which have no official markings. Why can Renault ones cost £15 which are fitted to hundreds of thousands of vans be any worse than the Alko ones. They are a parking brake cable and have no use whilst the van is moving.
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Simples, the Renault item is for a commercial van, Alko ads that mystical bit that means motorhomes/caravan/camper van so is obviously worth ten times the price. Applies to almost any part you would ever need.
Venhills or anyone who makes brake and clutch cables should be able to do a better quality than OEM at very reasonable prices if you have one they can use as a template as you have found 👍
 
I had a hand brake cable snap whilst the garage were doing the mot on my Hymer S650 approx 8 yrs ago...the mechanic said no probs, give me a couple of hours and I'll make one, and it'll be as good as the original. Can't remember how much, but don't think I needed a sit down when he told me!
 
When I built a car, everything required properly calibrating to ensure I obtained a first time pass through Enhanced SVA. I sent 'Speedy Cables' my tacho, together with some measurements I'd taken, and it came back 100% correct and looking like new. Based on my experience I'd recommend them.

Here's a link to their Heavy Duty Handbrake page:
Speedy Cables
 
HurricaneSmith said:
When I built a car, everything required properly calibrating to ensure I obtained a first time pass through Enhanced SVA. I sent 'Speedy Cables' my tacho, together with some measurements I'd taken, and it came back 100% correct and looking like new. Based on my experience I'd recommend them.

Here's a link to their Heavy Duty Handbrake page:
Speedy Cables
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That’s a very good point, the SVA (or had it changed to IVA), at least one of my trikes when put through this had homemade handbrake cables and they didn’t bat an eyelid so how valid is the point made by someone that insurance would be void?
Not suggesting anyone make their own though but get one made by one of the company’s that do them to order
 
The chances of a handbrake cable failure causing and accident must be infitesimally small. The chances of an accident inspector IDing a non-original brake cable is probably less. Buy a quality item at a reasonable price fit and forget. Afterall I presume that you are replace an original that has failed in some way already!?
 
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