Handbrake Adjustment

bbrucez · Unread post by **bbrucez** » 18 Dec 2003, 18:04

I thought it would be a doddle to tighten the handbrake on my wife's Xsara 1.9TD but after crawling underneath I couldn't find any adjuster.
Can someone save me the trouble & expense of buying a Haynes Manual just for this please?
Thanks in advance.

Richard Gallagher · Unread post by **Richard Gallagher** » 18 Dec 2003, 23:34

I'm not sure about the Xsara but have a look around the handbrake lever inside the car maybe removing/pulling back trim, you might find it there.

wheeler · Unread post by **wheeler** » 19 Dec 2003, 00:41

you have to remove the centre console,its quite easy remove ashtray,panel around cigar lighter,compartment above ashtray,unclip the plastic trim around the gearlever & the one around the brake lever.there are 6 T-20 screws around the ashtray area & another 2 at the back of the console on the sides,give the whole thing a good pull up at the back (it can be quite tight.once you have that off you may have to disconnect the round black multiplug to acess the adjuster (which is a 13mm nut)

Unread post by **RichardW** » 19 Dec 2003, 12:50

Bloody hell! At least the nut won't go rusty I suppose....!

ralph · Unread post by **ralph** » 19 Dec 2003, 13:13

I've got the same car, and I adjust the handbrake when I've got the drums off by bringing the shoes closer with the 'automatic' adjuster wheel. I find this reduces brake pedal travel at the same time.
Is there any advantage in just adjusting the handbrake cable?

bbrucez · Unread post by **bbrucez** » 19 Dec 2003, 17:47

Thanks chaps. What a palava!
Maybe I should take the drums off to put my mind at rest but in past experience rear shoes wear down very little.

jeremy · Unread post by **jeremy** » 20 Dec 2003, 20:11

The correct way to adjust the heandbrake is at the brake drum. The cable adjustment is only for initial setting up when fitting a cable.
Self adjusters do sieze and need to be overhauled regularily. Taking apart the adjuster screw mechanism, cleaning and re-greasing (just a touch) should restore operating efficiency.
Car must be taken to ensure that the back brakes are releasing fully. The ZX has a diagonal split braking circuits, so if one back brake overheats seriously and boils the fluid - a circuit fails. Both together . . .
Jeremy

bbrucez · Unread post by **bbrucez** » 23 Dec 2003, 18:34

I've got a bit of time off over Xmas & New Year so between showers, cold Champagne, hot Sake & changing oil & filters I'll whip the drums off.
Happy New Year to all.