Handbrake

[singapore stag]

I have owned many cars and classics in my time but the Stags handbrake must be the one that really p****s me off.

I cannot seem to get the adjustment/ setting right. Sometimes I can only get a couple of clicks and at other a few clicks when pulling/engageing the h/brake, most of the time it will not hold the wheels.

There is plenty of life left in the shoes and the drums are ok. Any suggestions please?. Any tried and tested tips? Your views always appreciated.

Sukh.

[stustag]

imported post

Hi Sukh

I had this problem and found it to be a stretched cable, I replaced the whole cable and adjusters then adjusted the cable with the car on the ground.

Make sure the handbrake mechanism in the drum is not siezed or sticking as this will affect adjustment.

Stuart

[DJT]

imported post

Hi Sukh,

This works:

Disconnect the cables from the levers by removing the clevis pins.

Use a bit of string, or similar, and pull the levers into the 'off' position and secure them. Then hit the brake pedal a few times to take up the auto-adjust mechanism.

Finally reconnect the cables, adjusting as necessary to take up any slack.

Just tightening the cable will not improve the handbrake, which is where many people go wrong and then find that the car won't pass the MOT.

It is critical that the lever inside the brake drums is free to pivot on its centre hinge and hasn't seized.

Dave

[peter f]

imported post

Hi bud,
Disconnect the handbrake cable at the back by removing the clevis pin at each side.
Get the missus to sit in the car and press the pedal several times while you pull back firmly on the handbrake levers (towards the back of the car). You should hear the ratchet clicking as the play is taken up.
Reconnect the clevis pins, inserting them from the top of the levers, with new split pins, and robert should be your fathers brother (Bobs you uncle)
cheers,
Peter

[singapore stag]

imported post

Cheers Lads, Will sort out tomorrow if the Monsoon in Southall abates.

Sukh.

[V Mad]

imported post

Sukhi, try all the things already suggested, but if the handbrake still doesnt hold, have a look at the linings to see if they are contacting on most of the lining area (the smooth patches). I have had cars where the brake shoes have not bedded in and there is only a small shiny patch on the lining. If the drum surface is sanded to remove the shine they will bed in better.

Also, if the drums have been 'skimmed' then the drums will be a larger diameter than the shoes which may need to be reprofiled.

[singapore stag]

imported post

Hi, Thanks for the advice on adjusting the h/brake. All done. Followed instructions and "Hey Presto!" it worked like a dream.

Took 10 minutes, the Forum strikes again.

Sukh.

[DJT]

imported post

singapore stag wrote:

Hi, Thanks for the advice on adjusting the h/brake. All done. Followed instructions and "Hey Presto!" it worked like a dream.

Took 10 minutes, the Forum strikes again.

Sukh.

Easy when you know how

Glad it worked. It is amazing how many Stags struggle to get through the MOT on handbrake inefficiency.

Dave