Handbrake cable

[big lad]

Hi everyone,
just fitted a new handbrake cable to the Stag, because I thought the old one had stretched.
when fitted and adjusted there’re does not appear much future adjustment,as it is screwed nearly to the end of the adjustment., anyone else found this?

cheers
Tony

[jakesmig]

I had that as well, I overcame that by making alternative shorter stirrups.

John

[Lingen]

Tony.
Have you checked that the automatic adjusters are working? With the cable detatched at both ends, press hard on the footbrake and they should automatically take up any shoe wear. Then the levers to which the cable is attached should be almost parallel with the back plates. If they aren't, this may be because the rivet connecting the two components of each lever inside the brake drum has seized, or the end of the levers where they fit in to the brake shoes, are badly worn. This can be rectified by welding, or fitting new levers.
Mike.

[markmark2]

Just a thought on adjusting the back brakes....is it necessary to remove the drums or can you as suggested detach the cables and press hard on the footbrake to take up the adjustment?(assuming the adjusters are working). cheers Mark

[jakesmig]

I was preparing mine for an MOT today and disconnected the cable on 1 side only, pumped the pedal a few times to engage the adjusters then re connected the cable. Handbrake was a bit tighter on the pull up and locks the wheels on the hand lever at 20mph. Brakes were well above minimum in test.

John.

[markmark2]

Thanks for the rely john. Does it matter what side you disconnect and does the engine need to be running when you pump the brakes? sorry if I've hijacked the tread slightly. Mark

[Lingen]

Mark. It doesn't matter which end of the cable you disconnect. Just push the lever fully towards the back plate on the connected end, to help the adjuster work. Having the engine running is a good idea, to get a good pressure on the shoes.
Mike.

[markmark2]

Nice one Mike/John. Thanks for your advice. Cheers Mark

[jakesmig]

As per Mike, but i didn't bother pushing the levers back, or had the engine running when I pressed the pedal.

John.