96 306 rear brake adjustment

evildiesels · Post by **evildiesels** » 04 Sep 2008, 05:48

Hi guys, any one have any tips for adjusting the rear brakes (Drum type), have tried the usual pulling handbrake on while reversing etc etc. Looks like the only way to get in there is to remove the hub assy, brakes feel pretty crap, but better when the handbrake lever is lifted to first notch, so would like to adjust, if neccessary I'll remove the hubs etc

Cheers

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » 04 Sep 2008, 15:02

Handbrake should be fully on between four and six clicks on the ratchet. Make sure the self-adjusters have taken up the slack.

ralph · Post by **ralph** » 04 Sep 2008, 20:59

Evildiesels - bite the bullet and get those drums off and adjust.
There's a 32mm hub nut to remove, but once inside you'll find no suprises.
Drums are fiddly, I suggest you take some pix with a digital camera before you take things apart, as it's easy to put springs and clips back on the wrong way.
Using the auto adjuster, adjust the shoes so they are just touching the drum when you spin it.

Adjusted properly, you'll get much better feel through the brake pedal, which will have less travel because you've tightened things up.

My Xsara has the same set-up - I adjust things so they're close - the handbrake will be fully on with three clicks.

uncle buck · Post by **uncle buck** » 04 Sep 2008, 21:55

You can adjust the rear shoes bu using a flat blade screwdriver through one of the wheel bolt holes....it's fiddly but once you get the hang of it it's easy.

evildiesels · Post by **evildiesels** » 04 Sep 2008, 23:23

Sweet, I'll try Uncle Bucks idea first (Great tip) and if no luck I'll pull them off - yet too see a manufacturer that can make a self adjusting mechanism that actually works like it should

Cheers guys

uncle buck · Post by **uncle buck** » 05 Sep 2008, 07:57

To adjust...remove the wheel & then look through one of the bolt holes in the drum, you are looking for an adjuster wheel, I think it is somewhere around the 10 o'clock position. Best to use a torch (Flashlight) to see into the drum. once you find the wheel you can move it with the thin flat bladed screwdriver...I believe you wind it in an upwards direction.
You can only get a small turn at a time but it doesn't take much....I used to adjust until the drum locked up & then back it off a little.

Good luck