3 replies to this topic

[Tornado99]

After doing the rear brakes on my '88 Cooper, I found I couldn't get sufficient rear brake holding with the handbrake while on hills. When I adjusted the single-type cable after the new shoes and cylinders were fitted, I found the cable adjuster was near it's limit of threaded section. Watching the lever operation, it appeared the forward end of the threaded adjustment section was interfering with the lever metal, restricting maximum cable pull. 

 

I decided to trim off about 1/8" of the end of the threaded section using a dremel cut off wheel. This gives things full clearance when going for maximum force. I've reset the drum adjusters and re-done the cable adjustment...it has only about an 1/8" more of thread adjustment possible...need to test it out to see if all good now.

 

Does this sound like cable has over stretched? 

Will the rear shoes need a bit of mileage to fully bed and improve holding power?

 

Thanks.

 

[Algordo1100]

I've just done my rear brakes and I fitted both new handbrake cables (rear section and front) at the same time as the old ones were fraying and stretched.

by the way, there is no '88 cooper. At least not factory. Cooper Garages were doing aftermarket conversions though I believe.

[Tornado99]

Ok, test drive now shows excellent hill holding on only two handbrake clicks. Looks like im ok for a bit more life before swapping in new cables.
Id suggest folks check if the threaded end interferes with the lever and mounting bracket if yours is nearing maximum adjustment tensioning.

[Tornado99]

Ok, test drive now shows excellent hill holding on only two handbrake clicks. Looks like im ok for a bit more life before swapping in new cables.
Id suggest folks check if the threaded end interferes with the lever and mounting bracket if yours is nearing maximum adjustment tensioning.