handbrake adjustment

[gordonw]

Hi,can anybody tell me how to adjust the handbrake [drum brake model] on a 1998 406 i cant see any adjuster or plug on the drum.Thanks.

[steve_earwig]

They're auto adjusters on the drums, so there's no plug on the front side of the drum. I'm not sure what sort of adjuster they are but odds are they need cleaning up from time to time or they stop working.

[jord294]

Hi,can anybody tell me how to adjust the handbrake [drum brake model] on a 1998 406 i cant see any adjuster or plug on the drum.Thanks.

i recently needed to adjust handbrake on my car.

i whipped the drums off to find almost new shoes and adusters, but a serious lack of lube

after cleaning up parts, and winding adjusters back in, i gave a good dose of coppa-slip to the moving parts and refitted the drums

i actually managed to adjust the adjuster through the wheel stud hole, with a small electrical screwdriver. i kept adjusting, and spinning drum until it started to bite. i did both sides the same. i then re fitted the wheels and found that the handbrake only pulled a couple of clicks, so then i slackened the handbrake cable to give me more travel in the handbrake.

needless to say, braking effort vastly improved, and about 5-6 clicks and the handbrake is very effective

[gordonw]

HI,thanks to Steve and Jord for the reply but i never properly explained that i cant get the drums off due to i suppose is a wear ridge on the drum not letting it pass the shoes but i will try and see if i can do what you suggested and turn the adjuster with a small s/driver. Many Thanks again.Gordon

[steve_earwig]

There's a picture in Haynes of them poking a screwdriver or something through the back to push the lever (presumable the one attached to the front shoe?) back. It says there should be a (possibly) blue plug in the backplate, on the side towards the front of the car.

Might help to see what you're dealing with.

[jasper5]

To get the drum off, use a big screwdriver at either side and lever the drum over the shoes.A good sharp thump with a hammer on the front of the drum can sometimes shock the drum off.

[steve_earwig]

A combination of the two (wedge screwdrivers behind it, then give it a clout) used to do the trick. I'm always a bit wary of belting the drum too hard, I've never broken one but I'm sure it's possible. A rubber mallet might be an idea.

[gordonw]

Thanks to all!.Got drum off cleaned up adjusters and refitted all now working fine passed MOT no problem.Gordon