13 replies to this topic

[samt88]

The handbrake in my mini is fairly ineffective, to say the least! (I can't even do a handbrake turn!) I've tried tightening it up etc to no avail. Is this a classic mini problem or do I need to rectify some issue?

 

Cheers,

Sam

Edited by samt88, 01 March 2014 - 09:58 PM.

[Carlos W]

Firstly, ensure the rear brakes are correctly adjusted and the handbrake quadrants are free! 

 

The tyres you're using has a major impact on how easily you can do handbrake turns!

[samt88]

I understood some of those words...  if I looked that up in the Haynes would it tell me how to do it? Super skinny ones! Just the standard city tyres! 

[Carlos W]

Which words didn't you understand mate?

[samt88]

Sorry bad joke! How would I know if the brakes or adjusted and whats a handbrake quadrant?

[cradley-heathen]

obviously you shouldnt be trying to do handbrake turns anyway (but it is fun!)

 

as above, check the rear shoes are fitted correctly, and that they are adjusted up enough (the little square adjuster on the rear of the backplate), the handbrake quadrants can get seized up as they get caked in muck from the road and the pins corode. give them a really good clean, and ensure they move freely back and forth. and do the same for the arm that goes through the backplate that is fastened to the cable itself, these too can seize

[samt88]

Haha thanks for the advice Cradley! Don't worry, never attempted on public roads! Just the tesco car park after hours! 

So how do I confirm they're adjusted up enough? Does the adjuster move their distance from the braking surface or something?

[Artful Dodger]

here the haynes manual is your friend mate, it shall explain all! :)

 

 

but then again you just need a few dodgy pictures attached to the heathens explanation and youre pretty much there anyway ;)

[Carlos W]

Haha thanks for the advice Cradley! Don't worry, never attempted on public roads! Just the tesco car park after hours! 

So how do I confirm they're adjusted up enough? Does the adjuster move their distance from the braking surface or something?

Yes mate, that's exactly what it does! 

 

You need to adjust them so that they lock the wheel up, then turn them back so they only "just" catch!

[Artful Dodger]

you will know thyre adjusted enough by turning the drum with your hands, when you hear the brake shoes touching the drum slightly you know youre there :)  should sound like a quiet rubbing sound

[samt88]

Sweet thanks! Sounds simple enough, I'll give it a bash next time its not raining   (gimme a couple weeks   )

[GraemeC]

No offence, if you've tried 'tightening it up', but don't know how the brakes are adjusted then you need to get a Haynes and consult it for brake adjustment before going further . It'll give you pictures that will help immensely and would be hard to describe on here.

And not being able to do handbrake turns is not a measure of an effective handbrake! They can actually be quite difficult, especially on good surfaces designed to minimise skidding!

Edited by GraemeC, 01 March 2014 - 10:25 PM.

[samt88]

Thanks Graeme, yeah I do, I know don't worry - fairly new to the whole mini ownership thing. I tightened the handbrake cable in the cockpit, didn't even occur to me to think about the rear brakes adjustment themselves - all a learning curve! 

 

Haha no don't worry, my real measure is the fact I can barely stop myself rolling down a 5% hill! 

[samt88]

Also thanks for the help guys, much appreciated!