Thread: Adjusting Handbrake

I haven't adjusted one... because I've just dismantled mine

My first question would be: Have you run out of adjustment?
My second would be: How much meat is on the pads?
The third would be: Did you assemble it properly?

That last one isn't as daft as it sounds seeing you've been using it. It's based solely on the grounds that the manual shows three different ways of assembling things incorrectly. It's clutching at straws stuff but sometimes, that's what works.

Besides, it gives you something to think about while you wait for John or someone who actually does know what he's talking about to come online

I just did mine a couple days ago. Series 3 though.

Adjustment cam thing - wind it in till the shoes grab, then back it off 2 notches.
Then adjust the Lever so that you have 2 clicks free before anything happens.

Be careful because as Crackers mentioned there is a few incorrect ways to assemble these things. Check your adjustment cam - the 2 little pushrodythings can be switched over, they need to be a left and right pair. Maybe someone else has played with it....

I'd advise getting a copy of the workshop manual to read. They also have nice pretty pictures for you to look at

Thanks for that. Do you know how I adjust the lever?

There are adjustable threads on the push rods.

The adjuster screws clockwise to tighten, each click is a quarter turn. As mentioned, if you have had it apart, make sure you have assembled it correctly.

If you cannot lock the brake with the adjuster, then the shoes are probably worn beyond the usable limit. If you can lock the shaft with the adjuster, but when you back off until it turns freely but the brake still does not hold, then either:-

1. Linkage is disconnected or very badly adjusted (fix it)

2. The expander is seized (Disassemble the entire unit and free it)

3. The whole setup is full of oil out of the transfer case (most likely). This will mean you will have to disassemble the brake unit, clean it up, and replace the brake shoes, output shaft seal, and possibly output flange (or speedisleeve it).

John

Could also be loose or badly worn engine and/or gearbox mounts. .W.