Handbrake Shoe Adjustment

[ChrisH]

Hi All

I'm half way through a brake upgrade (thanks to MAFs excellent step by step reference) and so far all good... can't wait to feel the difference it makes.

I wondered if anyone had an official procedure for adjusting the star nut that sets the handbrake shoes? I note MAFs tip of lock them out and then back them off... but it's not that easy to finesse... you can get them reasonably locked at a point... then keep winding... and likewise... you could unwind so they were just lose... or to try to eradicate all drag.

I've set them perhaps on the lose and free side for now thinking I can tighten them if the handbrake proves ineffective once they have time to settle... but any thoughts on getting them just so would be appreciated.

Thanks

Chris

 

[RSM Masser]

I spent ages setting them 'just so' only to find that after a period ot time they needed doing again, unlike the stone age BMC Mini of my daughters there is no 'self adjustment'

Resorted to the fact handbrake is cr4p, leave in gear and turn the wheels. Check befor MoT if it still holds and dont use it.

 

[midlifecrisis]

It's certainly a bind (Pun intended!) It also involves a friend and or the wife... My trick is to raise the rear wheel, (usual safety precautions, chocking the front etc) tighten them up so that the wheel's movement is just being impeded and then back off slightly. Using the assistant, get them to pull up the hand brake three clicks is the target and the wheel no moving. It takes time, Roger Melly's profanisaurus and a bit of patience.

And then don't use them, park in gear!

 

[ChrisH]

Thanks guys. They certainly are a tad on the basic side... so the fiddle, phaf... probably swear and curse... and then don't use them... is the approach I shall follow.

I'll leave them lose ish for now... get the new pads / discs bedded in and then see how it all feel!

 

[alfatwo]

Just adjust them the best you can and then let them bed in, I assume your using new discs... as the brake disc inner working surfaces will have gone oval if not

Dave

 

[TimR]

Im pretty sure the "how to" sticky on the forum ( Canaero's handywork IIRC) includes advice on this, and which direction does what... Even "wheels up", the axle is resistant to turning...
Happy to read that not using the handbrake is common practice...Not if you dont have to !