Handbrake success?

ronwest · 20-03-2007, 12:07 PM

I'll be fitting suspension bits next weekend (finally, George) and rear slotted rotors. While I'm at it I'll have a go at adjusting handbrake - mine doesn't work and also does the shhh, shhh, shhh thing.

Does anyone have a formula for a successful handbrake adjustment (au3) which lasts (for more than a couple of weeks)?

(I did a search but I'm interested in results that last for more than a few days)

Thanks...

FTe342 · 20-03-2007, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronwest

I'll be fitting suspension bits next weekend (finally, George) and rear slotted rotors. While I'm at it I'll have a go at adjusting handbrake - mine doesn't work and also does the shhh, shhh, shhh thing.

Does anyone have a formula for a successful handbrake adjustment (au3) which lasts (for more than a couple of weeks)?

(I did a search but I'm interested in results that last for more than a few days)

Thanks...

Put a little high temp grease where the brake shoe mounts and contacts the backing plate. Backoff the cable at the handle. Don't adjust the brake shoe too high - you don't want it rubbing or it will wear it down and need adjusting again. Do each side with the other side rotor off so you can get a feel for if its dragging on the shoe or not. After you have backed it off activate the handbrake so it re-centres the brake shoe and check for drag again. Its a fine line between getting it right and not. Hopeless design and don't try handbrake turns or you'll tear the the lot out

Re adjust the cable at the handle. The trick is not to have a low handle or you will get the rubbing sound. Get it so it is holding the car at about 2/3 to 3/4 handle

bodes-sh · 20-03-2007, 09:04 PM

the other thing to remember is, when you have adjusted it properly, pull it up just far enough for it to hold, don't yank it up all the time or you will have to readjust it again in no time

ronwest · 21-03-2007, 01:22 AM

ok, thanks guys. I'll let you know in a month whether it was successful ;)

Engineer · 28-03-2007, 12:17 AM

Hi All,

I had the annoying sh sh sh sound for 2 years. I was told it could not be fixed. I machined disks and changed the handbrake shoes and also had the handbrake adjusted. It did not fix it.. :(

I then came a cross a post that detailed that to eliminate the noise you need to file a 45 degree chamfer on all the edges of the handbrake shoe. I did this with a file and it worked!! I have done 3,000 kms since this mod and it is all perfect no noise and the handbrake grips great. I adjusted the handbrake so it grips at about 5 clicks from full release. It works very well. I am not sure who posted the fix for the sh shs sh noise but I am eternally grateful to them.

Apparently he was given the tip by some guy at the local Tyrepower. Worked a treat for me and it took only 1 hour to do both sides. While you are at it remove the threaded adjusters for the handbrake shoe and clean and regrease them as they may be sticky (mine were)

Good Luck

Cheers
Engineer

JC · 28-03-2007, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Engineer

Hi All,

I had the annoying sh sh sh sound for 2 years. I was told it could not be fixed. I machined disks and changed the handbrake shoes and also had the handbrake adjusted. It did not fix it.. :(

I then came a cross a post that detailed that to eliminate the noise you need to file a 45 degree chamfer on all the edges of the handbrake shoe. I did this with a file and it worked!! I have done 3,000 kms since this mod and it is all perfect no noise and the handbrake grips great. I adjusted the handbrake so it grips at about 5 clicks from full release. It works very well. I am not sure who posted the fix for the sh shs sh noise but I am eternally grateful to them.

Apparently he was given the tip by some guy at the local Tyrepower. Worked a treat for me and it took only 1 hour to do both sides. While you are at it remove the threaded adjusters for the handbrake shoe and clean and regrease them as they may be sticky (mine were)

Good Luck

Cheers
Engineer

That was GK - another good tip from the "How to" king.

FTe342 · 28-03-2007, 10:58 AM

So do you have to chamfer both sides of the shoe or just the outside?

Robe · 28-03-2007, 11:30 AM

While we are on the subject of handbrakes, in more fortunate times I had a succession of Falcon work cars. With every one and now with my own AU, on a slope after I have put on the handbrake the car always moves downhill a bit.

I guess the car moves until the transmission park pin ("detent"?) engages.

How come the car moves at all?

**Mechan1k** · 28-03-2007, 12:14 PM

I must be one of the lucky ones ... the handbrake on my ute has worked perfectly for me ... not an issue at all.

ronwest · 28-03-2007, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Engineer

I then came a cross a post that detailed that to eliminate the noise you need to file a 45 degree chamfer on all the edges of the handbrake shoe.

Yes, I remember seeing that.

Ran out of time for handbrake adjustment but will find time over the next couple of weeks

Thanks for the reminder.