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How to Adjust Handbrake in Iracing

Learn exactly how to adjust handbrake in iRacing. A clear, step-by-step guide for iRacing drivers to diagnose settings, calibrate input, and fix the handbrake fast.

If you’re wondering how to adjust handbrake in iRacing, the short answer is: map the handbrake to the correct device axis or button, calibrate the axis in Windows (or iRacing), then remove deadzone/saturation so the sim sees the full range. You’re in the right place to fix it quickly.

Quick Answer — how to adjust handbrake in iracing

Open iRacing Options → Controls, assign the handbrake control to your physical handbrake axis (or button), then calibrate the device in Windows/game controller settings. In iRacing set null/deadzone to 0 and saturation to 100, invert if the axis moves the wrong way, and test in a practice session.

What’s really going on

iRacing reads your handbrake either as an analog axis (recommended) or a digital button. If the handbrake is not mapped, not calibrated, or has a deadzone or saturation limiting its range, iRacing won’t respond the way you expect. Many problems are simply the device not being calibrated in Windows or the control being mapped to the wrong input.

Step-by-step fix

Physically check: confirm your handbrake is powered/connected and moves smoothly through its range.
Windows calibration: open Control Panel → Devices and Printers → right-click your controller → Game controller settings → Properties → Calibrate. Follow the wizard and make sure the handbrake axis moves from min to max.
Map in iRacing: in iRacing go to Options → Controls, choose your device, find “Handbrake” (or “E-Brake”) and press the axis/button while assigning. Save the change.
Clear deadzone/saturation: in the same Controls page set null/deadzone to 0% and saturation to 100% for that axis. If your handbrake feels reversed, toggle “Invert” for the axis.
Test in practice: join a local practice session, pull the handbrake and watch in-car reaction. If not full strength, re-open calibration and repeat.
If digital: if your handbrake is a switch (on/off), map it to a button instead of an axis and remember it will behave like a toggle (not progressive).

Extra Tips / Checklist

Always calibrate in Windows first — iRacing reads raw device values.
Use an axis (analog) handbrake if you want progressive lock; buttons are binary.
If the axis wiggles at rest, add a tiny deadzone (1–3%) to stop false input.
If the handbrake activates without touching it, check for a physical midpoint or wiring fault.
Save a control profile after you get it right so you can restore it easily.

FAQs — how to adjust handbrake in iracing

Q: My handbrake is mapped but doesn’t do anything in-car.
A: Re-calibrate in Windows, then reassign in iRacing. Also check null/deadzone and saturation are set correctly.

Q: The handbrake behaves backwards (pulling increases brake instead of releasing).
A: Use the Invert option for that axis in iRacing Controls or reverse the axis in Windows calibration.

Q: Should I map handbrake as an axis or button?
A: Axis is best for progressive control (locking rear wheels gradually). Button is fine for on/off e-brake behavior.

Q: Changes don’t stick after restart.
A: Make sure you save the Controls profile in iRacing and that you’re editing the correct device (USB vs wheel peripheral).

Wrap-up

Fixing the handbrake in iRacing is usually a calibration/mapping issue. Map the control, calibrate the device, set deadzone/saturation correctly, and test in practice. If problems persist, check wiring or the manufacturer’s driver utility and then re-run calibration.