All,

my handbrake questions continue - after having adjusted the star wheels the handbrake is still out of balance on the drivers side being far too weak - I'm now thinking it needs a new brake cable - first - how much is one and second how hard is it to fit one? and third - is thare any adjustment for the balance of the cable apart from at the brake handle as this wont adjust any more....

 

Thanks.

can no one help me - am I doomed forever?

 

the shame, the shame!

 

perhaps I could stir some interest by cunningly hiding it inside a brake pads question?

mine's is pants too... i have to pull it higher and higher... Its been adjusted, though not very well :( :cry:

 

 

Is it better to get a new one?

...why are you not asking about brake shoes - surely it's these that are worn?

...only a suggestion.

 

good luck

 

Jack

nope - had the discs off and checked them out - pad material is fine.

In my limited experience handbrake cables just dont stretch. The danger is someone adjusts the cable to tighten up thinking it will make the handbrake better. Instead what it does is put tension on the shoes even when it is off. You then cant adjust the shoes properly because they are not backed off properly with the handbrake down.

 

Maybe you need to start by slackening the cable right off. Then adjust the shoes with the star wheel to bring em just into contact with the drums - then yank the handbrake on and off a few times to centre the shoes - then re adjust again till the brakes bind then back the adjuster just off enough. Only then check that there is not too much slack in the cable and do the cable. The cable should equalise itself between both wheels.

 

The shoes on a zed should not be worn unless you do regular handbrake turns. They dont get used as the rear disc pads do the braking when moving.

 

Mine has big mileage and adjusted up fine. I didnt touch the cable.

 

I know nobody likes to think that they didnt do it right but just maybe its the cable tension thats stopping your brake shoes adjusting right. Somtimes you need to look at the opposite logic!