9 replies to this topic

[HarveyT]

Every time I adjust my rear brakes I tighten them until I cant turn the wheel at all (with the handbrake on) on both sides. The handbrake then works fine but eventually it loosens again to the point where I can push the car with the handbrake on. Also when I go more than roughly 30 when I brake I get really bad wobble through the steering wheel and when I am just coming to a stop it will feel as though the brakes are pulsating almost as if I am taping the brakes on and off. Can someone please tell me what I am doing wrong or if there is something I need to replace. (I have recently completely replaced the read brakes and suspension so hopefully its not that) CHEERS!

[grumpy dad]

Hi 

a quick how to

 

slacken of the hand brake cables 

adjust the rear brakes in the normal way 

then adjust the cables at the hand brake

till you get 4 or 5 clicks

job done  

 

drums or disc on the front ?

[Dusky]

How do you adjust the handbrake cable?

[A-Cell]

Using the handbrake cable adjuster. Located behind the handbrake. 1 adjuster 1976 on, 2 adjusters (one each side) pre 1976.
See illustrated parts list
http://www.minispare...les.aspx?1~9~83

[Carlos W]

Have you got drums or discs on the front?

 

Either way, it sounds like they're warped!

[grumpy dad]

Hi

Using the handbrake cable adjuster. Located behind the handbrake. 1 adjuster 1976 on, 2 adjusters (one each side) pre 1976.
See illustrated parts list
http://www.minispare...les.aspx?1~9~83

 

Yes thats the one 

if its drums he can have them turned true 

Edited by grumpy dad, 02 February 2014 - 10:25 PM.

[tiger99]

Well, actually no, drums generally can't be turned, as the diameter will no longer match the shoes correctly. Discs can't generally be skimmed either, as there is a critical minimum thickness below which there is insufficient thermal capacity, and structural failure occurs.

 

Faulty discs or drums can only safely be thrown away. New ones are not horrendously expensive.

[Dan]

Please answer the question asked guys.

With the handbrake off completely and the linkages free and lubed, tighten the brake adjusters until the wheels lock. Then back them off slightly so that when given a reasonable spin by hand the wheel will turn 1 to 2 revolutions before coming to a halt. Then you set the handbrake as Grumpy describes above. The service brake is far, far more important than the handbrake. Don't adjust the brakes to make the handbrake good, adjust the handbrake. Drums are often very slightly out of round and draggy, you can't assess whether this pulsing is related to the drums or a problem until they are adjusted properly.

[HarveyT]

i think its discs on the front, i will take them off and have a look tomorrow probably

[HarveyT]

Hi 

a quick how to

 

slacken of the hand brake cables 

adjust the rear brakes in the normal way 

then adjust the cables at the hand brake

till you get 4 or 5 clicks

job done  

 

drums or disc on the front ?

thanks for the how to!