Gday all,

I have a curly one for the experts regarding my TH Advance Sedan. 187000km, auto V6 3.5ltr.

Have been to 2 separate mechanics/workshops and neither one of them could adjust the handbrake. It is either too loose, IE just about pull the hand brake out of it's slot before it engages, or any other adjustment, means the rear wheels brakes grab/drag ( I can hear them when driving in forward..a hissing sound, and just slight hesitation in acceleration), in reverse, the rear brakes have a pronounced grab, after just releasing the handbrake. Then in forward, as mentioned, a hiss and subtle hesitation in accerleration.

One mechanic said the cable is stretched? After working on it for several hours and tests they could not adjust it without it grabbing, and so right now it is set very loose.

Has anyone else had this problem? If so how did you fix it?
Otherwise, anyone got any ideas? And suggestions how to fix?

Many thanks in advance.

I had a similar issue with my handbrake, except it was squealing lots, going round corners, driving straight never seemed to be anything constant with it. Mechanic took the rear hubs off while changing pads, cleaned them or whatever, adjusted both inside the car and at the rear (loosened one off, then adjusted the other till the "touching" stopped) Not sure which was adjusted however. No more squealing and handbrake comes up about 3 or 4 clicks now, I hate ones that point to the roof...

i assume they tried adjusting the star nut behind the hub? you access it through the hole with the rubber bung in. my manual says to do it up till it grabs then wind it off 5 clicks. if they just used the cable adjustment in cabin it may cause drag, supposed to be like 4 to 8 clicks when you pull up the handle. if it has been tried properly and no success then try removing rear disc and see if the handbrake shoe mechanism is fine, may be corrosion holding it up?? if not try new cables or even some from the wreckers. good luck.

Here's a link

http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66810&highlight=handbrake

Disregard that thread mate,

The only way to properly adjust is to back off the cable, adjust the drums, then take up slack in the cables

There is also a known issue with the handbrake pins, I am able to fix this for you if you want to, pm me if needed. I will be away until monday week but can look at it after this time

Cheers

Mal is right (again). The cables don't stretch, you need to take up the slack at the drums. My procedure is to lift the rear and remove the drums. Clean out the dust and check that the springs and other bits are still in the right place. Adjust the star wheel a bit and put the drum back on. If it goes on easily pull it off again and adjust more. When it is hard to put the drum back on operate the brake lever to align the shoes. When the drum spins easily without scraping noises and the lever needs to move only a few mm to engage the brake then you have the right adjustment. Put it all back together and test the handbrake lever, 5 to 7 notches up is right. I have done it this way on Sigmas and gen 2 Magnas and never found the actual cable adjustment at the lever needed playing with. If you still get a scrape use the handbrake in reverse (low speed) and forward to centre the shoes. In damp weather sometimes you can get a scrape, but a light application of the handbrake usually fixes that.

If someone has "adjusted" the cable at the handbrake then you do have to back it off as Mel suggested. I prefer to use the drum off method as above so that you can clean out and check on the condition of the components. First time I tried to use the method of adjusting through the inspection hole everything was so gummed up that the star wheels could not move.

not much experience with drums but was always taught that the shoes are always ment to drag a small amount???

Thank you for your replies. Will take them onboard and print up the replies to give to my mechanic. Thanks for the offer 'MadMagna', will be in touch if required. Thanks again!

Wanikiba