Handbrake

[pgoldsmith]

Has anyone had experience of the handbrake not self adjusting and what steps can be taken to remedy this?

I’ve replaced both rear callipers (lhs last year, rhs this year) and yet the handbrake has progressively got worst by requiring more and more notches to be used before it has any effect. I’ve adjusted it once before but it now looks as though I’m going to run out of adjusting thread on the threaded bolt.

Any one have any ideas ?

[simontaylor]

Most of the time I don't use the handbrake because I'm lead to beleive that the calipers can become problematic and seize up. I have a wooden battern on the floor of the garage that I drive over as well as a 4"x2" timber that I drive up to, this leaves a wheel choked so the car won't roll and it's in the right place and the hand brake has been fine so far.

[stephendell]

Have you downloaded the section of the workshop manual from the main site which explains the proceedure for adjusting the handbrake at the lever?

[pgoldsmith]

I've got a workshop manual and does mentioned that the handbrake should not be adjusted under normal conditions but only when a calliper has been replaced.

The callipers should be self adjusting but I fear mine are not for some reason.
I wouldnt normally worry too much however I have an MOT tomorrow and I know it will fail if the handbrake is not working effectively.

replaced handbrake cables , rebuilt calipers and replaced pads and even then had very little of the threaded bolt left - and I didn't need to go the 10 notches you are supposed too in travel. It works well but I really wondered were the handbrake cables incorrectly made as they were very short perhaps you have the same problem?

[stephendell]

The current replacement handbrake cables are indeed too short and need extending to work properly. 'Old Stock' cables are fine.

Andrew Jones 'turbodog' has experience of this and may be able to help if you send him a message.

Anyone who hase used Citroen calipers at the rear will also have problems. The operating lever is the wrong length. Also many seem to have been assembled incorrectly (wrong shims) and the self adjusting mechanism dose not work as a result.