xsara forte 1.4i handbrake engaging while laden

[daviebarcode]

Need some help please. I have a 2000 reg xsara. When i'm in the car myself or with front seat passenger handbrake pulls up 4/5 clicks and when released car moves off smoothly. Although myself and 2 back seat passengers ( weight in back ) handbrake pulls up 1/2 clicks and when released and trying to move off back of car dips and feels like rear brakes have locked on. Car isn't overly dipping when passengers get in, only when trying to move off. Load compensator looks to be operating ok. Have been told handbrake cable, suspension and load compensator are all to blame. Please HELP.

[citronut]

hi and welcome

i would say its either cables over adjusted or they are routed incorrectly and the suspension movement is pulling on them

were are you located

[daviebarcode]

I'm in Glasgow.

[daviebarcode]

Handbrake has been adjusted from underneath the centre console a number of times. This has always been with the back end on the ground. Never raised or jacked up.

[citronut]

ok

firstly you should never adjust the cables before making fully sure the adjuster mechanism in between the shoes has/is adjusted correctly,

and secondly you can not get the correct adjustment of the hand brake lever travel/cables without lifting the rear wheels off the ground,

just adjusting the cables does not give anymore load onto the brake shoes to the drums, or pads to the discs, ( dependent on the system your car has )

[daviebarcode]

Thanks for all the help and info. Both my left and right handbrake cables have split and need replaced. Apparently the extra weight in the back is pulling on the cables and so engaging the brakes.