Adjusting handbrake, which way to turn barrel?

[jimf]

Hi folks, can someone take the guesswork out of this job for me. Looking at each rear wheel face on and going through one of the wheelbolt holes with a flatblade screwdriver, which way do I turn the star adjuster for either side to tighten handbrake. I have done this job on other cars a few times but always end up going the wrong way and the job takes twice as long.

Thanks

[unmol]

im 80% sure its downwards, but if not just turn the drum by hand and if its rubbing / too tigh, turn the adjuster the oppisite way.

[Brianmoooore]

When facing the end of the adjuster that has the star wheel, you need to turn it clockwise to extend its length, but whether this is up or down depends on which way around the adjuster has been fitted.
A small light bulb, soldered to a piece of wire, connected to a battery and pushed into the drum via one of the other wheel bolt holes is an invaluable tool for this job. Lights everything up inside, and lets you see exactly what you are doing.

[e30-EVN]

^ what an awsome piece of advise!!

A great idea brian

[jimf]

Yeah, I'm liking that. Cheers.