Handbrake shoe problems

Post Fri Jan 06, 2006 10:17 pm

I have an ongoing problem with the handbrake shoes on the drivers side. There is a rattling sound coming form them and the handbrake only grips on the passenger side. I have been into the garage a couple of times and the mechanic says there is nothing loose, re-adjusts the cables. Everything is fine for about a day and thent its back again.

There was a problem with the locking pin in one of the shoes as the hole had rusted so an original pin wouldn't hold. He said he made up a replacement and it's holding fine. Could it be the adjuster? Thats the only thing I can think of that could cause the shoes to be loose, if the locking pin is OK. Or could some of the springs need to be repalced?

Suggestions are welcome, thanks.

Post Mon Jan 09, 2006 10:40 pm

Anyone?

Post Mon Jan 09, 2006 11:03 pm

discs rear or drum axled?????either way i would fit the new back plates if they are that corroded?

Post Mon Jan 09, 2006 11:21 pm

It does'nt sound like your adjuster although it could probably do with a good clean. You should check that pin the mechanic made up as it may not have been strong enough for the tension or it may have over powered the strength of the back plate

Post Tue Jan 10, 2006 4:30 am

new back plates are only Ãƒ”šÃ‚£7 odds plus vat and the springs are about 14 +vat i just bought them to day i would strongly advise this cos my retaining pin hole was corroded pull out off back plate heard a mighty bang and proceeded to wreck everything in the drum inc handbrake quadrants at 10 each plus vat total bill today 61.00 and i still have to get them fitted

Post Wed Jan 11, 2006 11:33 pm

Thanks for th info guys. I have rear discs. Can the back plate be replaced without removing the hub? If the hub needs to come off, then it means a new bearing also which is supposed to be a b*tch of a job, which in turns translates into 'expensive'

Post Fri Jan 13, 2006 2:49 pm

correct a complete nightmare

Post Fri Jan 13, 2006 2:57 pm

You don't have to replace the bearing if you careful with the hub.
Did the mechanic actually adjust it at the sheos or just the cables at the handbrake ?

Post Sun Jan 15, 2006 11:45 pm

He said he took off the rear brake disc to check that everything was OK with the shoes, then adjusted the cables at the handbrake.

I went back to him on Friday to book the car and and asked about getting the back plate replaced. He says he won't order any parts until he sees it, sounds like he doesn't believe me. But I know it's not working properly.

Post Sun Jan 15, 2006 11:50 pm

kevin316i wrote:, then adjusted the cables at the handbrake.

If this is the only place he adjusted them, find a new mechanic.

Post Mon Jan 16, 2006 10:23 pm

He's getting one last chance, I've been going there for the last 10 years.

Post Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:28 pm

kevin316i wrote:He's getting one last chance, I've been going there for the last 10 years.

Well, in that case, educate him.
The adjustments at the handbrake are for taking up the slack in the cable only. The handbrake adjusters are inside the handbrake drum and are adjusted, using a screwdriver, through a wheel bolt hole. The handbrake cables must be slack while doing this adjustment, and are then adjusted so that the braking is balanced, and the lever comes up four or five clicks.