Handbrake adjustment

[Richnd1974]

What's the easiest way to adjust my 1989 R4 handbrake, getting it's ready for the mot and noticed the service brake travel was noted last year so thought it time to adjust.
Cheers Richard

 

[jcarruthers2]

Hi

As you have a 1989, I'm assuming the handbrake is floor mounted and operates on the rear brakes. First check the condition of the brake linings and cylinders, if all ok, adjust the rear brakes to the optimum. Check the handbrake travel, if it is over approx 6 clicks then adjust by loosening the locking nuts on the threaded section and adjust up until you reach approx 6 clicks. Check that the drums are free with the handbrake off and the drums grip with the handbrake on.

 

[mr-reno-139]

Presumably fitted rear handbrake you will need a deep 13 mm 38 drive socket and a short extension need to slide the front seats forward and you can just about get access to the adjuster nut in a very tiny gap in the front cross member just above where the seat belt stalks are bolted to the floor there is no locking nut it is just a simple couple of turns as the nut is a nylock and will remain in place once you have set the handbrake travel correctly do not over tighten as the rear brakes will bind

 

[malcolm]

If you have the Bendix rear brakes they should be self adjusting, but the Girling ones are manual adjust and seem to need doing every year. A Haynes manual would be useful for instructions. The adjustment in the handbrake cable is for cable stretch and can be done after you make sure the rear brakes are properly adjusted.

 

[mr-reno-139]

If you have the Bendix rear brakes they should be self adjusting, but the Girling ones are manual adjust and seem to need doing every year. A Haynes manual would be useful for instructions. The adjustment in the handbrake cable is for cable stretch and can be done after you make sure the rear brakes are properly adjusted.

Agreed with you
I was thinking it isn't obvious where the cable adjuster was located
My normal trick is to press the brake pedal down and mentally make a note of how far down it goes then release the brake operate the handbrake fully on and see if the brake pedal is then better if it is then the rear brakes will need adjustment