MINI R56 Cooper S - Loose JCW Handbrake

Q
I have just bought a JCW gear knob and handbrake handle for my R56 Cooper S. I have fitted the gear knob okay, but the handbrake handle is all loose no matter which way I try and fit it. Can you help please?

A
In the March 2008 issue of Modern MINI we included a fixing guide on fitting chrome bezels and included step-by-step photographs on how to dismantle the handbrake lever. The handbrake cover is retained with a plastic end cover, small tag and a zip tie. If any of these parts are missing, this may be the cause of your problem. The instructions we covered for removing and refitting the handbrake cover are as follows:
Fitting a chrome cover over the handbrake lever starts with the removal of the plastic end cover. This can be prised off with a small screwdriver - but watch out, it's often been known to fly off into the footwell.
Use a small screwdriver to part a small tag to be able to slide the entire handbrake cover forward. You can't pull it too far because the gaiter is still attached.
Unclip the base of the handbrake gaiter from where it's fitted into the plastic centre console. Use a small screwdriver to help release it. Once undone, the gaiter and handbrake cover can be removed.
Turn the gaiter inside out. Notice that the handbrake cover is attached to the gaiter with a zip tie. Cut this and remove the handbrake cover, which can be placed aside.
Take the bottom collar from the new handbrake cover (unclip it if it's attached to the chrome handbrake cover) and fit it into the hole in the handbrake gaiter. Secure with a zip tie and cut off the excess.
Fit the collar and gaiter over the handbrake and clip the gaiter into the centre console. Slide the new handbrake cover over the handbrake and clip onto the bottom collar. Finally slide the end cover into position and clip onto the end of the new cover.