handbrake when replacing rear discs

Post Sat Jan 03, 2015 9:04 am

Before I replace the rear discs, I will need to release the hand brake. Do you normally also need to spin the star wheel inside the drum/disc for the handbrake to get the disc off? If so, do I retighten it till it is just "kissing'' the inside of the drum/disc? Or do I just turn it the star wheel the same number of turns I turned it to loosen it?

Post Sat Jan 03, 2015 10:23 am

Release the handbrake yes, Sometimes the drum will come off but it depends on how rusted anything is inside there. If it will not move then spin the star wheel, After that its hammer time and a new handrake shoe fitting kit as the pins holding the shoes will probably get broken.

On refit i normally make sure both cables are adjusted the same under the handbrake gaiter. Spin the star wheels until they slightly kiss the drum/disc.

Same procedure on most cars so youtube will have a guide for you.

Also if your brake backing plates are rusted this is your solution
Have a read of this

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/Handbrake

Leigh

Post Sat Jan 03, 2015 11:17 am

Most important thing when setting up the handbrake section of rear discs is that the cables are not moving the shoe expanders off of their stops. With a car that has an unknown history of handbrake adjustment, this is best achieved by backing the nuts at the handbrake lever right off, so that the cables are slack.
If the shoes are anything like adjusted properly, the star wheel will have to be backed off to remove the discs/drums, since there will be rust on the drum surface inboard of where the shoes rub.

Post Sat Jan 03, 2015 1:19 pm

Thanks Leigh and Brian. I have no idea of the handbrake adjustment history so I will follow your advice on loosening.
Is it worth putting anti seize on the hub when reassembling?
Once the star wheel has been backed off can you tap the front of drum on the old disc to help loosen things? Can you tap it from behind? Should you avoid WD40 to help loosen things?
I have new discs, should I rub the surface with brake cleaner before reassembly?

Post Sat Jan 03, 2015 5:32 pm

If everything is working correctly under your disc and you loosen everything off the disc should come off without too much pulling pressure if not just a few taps should do it. Use wd40 for disassembly but clean and service all the parts before re assembly.

Anti seize is good on re assembly yes but only on areas needed. I used copper grease when i rebuilt my brakes as i had some handy.

Your new discs might have a smear of anti rust oil on them so just a quick wipe on the contact surfaces to pads and shoes area.

Leigh

Post Thu Jan 08, 2015 1:36 pm

Thanks guys. The new discs, pads and sensor( + handbrake adjustment) went well. Not a moment too soon. The discs looked like old 33rpm records and the pads had very little left. I put the old discs out with the rubbish and a passing metal recycler guy picked them up along with an old and corroded m20 head and two knackered power steering racks. There must be money in the metal.