Brake Adjustment

[james.ed]

Hi All,

Planning to tighten up my break tomorrow and just wanted to check the method. New brake linings were installed in feb and now they've bedded in nicely, but also made my brake peddal alittle less twitchy. I'm not worries about the brake system as I can still lock the brakes and have a fair bit of travel left after I've pushed the pedel to full braking.

As I understand - Jack up car, removed wheel, tighten the cams with a screwdriver (it should click?) until its tightish, then click back once, put wheel back on, enjoy motoring. The back wheel has two cams so twice the tickering.

Does this sound right? Also - does the handbrake need to be released for the rear wheel? Presumably all the wheels must tightened at the same time to ensure even braking. I would, if possible, rather not release the handbrake but if needs must!

Thanks for the help (as always).

[Tom and Maria]

You will need to release the handbrake otherwise you will never be able to tell when the shoes slacken off. Do the job on flat ground and engage fourth gear when adjusting the rear, probably best to chock the front wheels too if you think there is any danger of the car rolling.

Tighten until the wheel locks and then back one click, don't worry you'll hear it. When properly adjusted the brakes may make a small rubbing noise against the drums, but you should be able to turn the wheel easily with one arm.

Tom

[beero]

The fronts have 2 cams, the rear only one.

[bmcecosse]

To set the rears correctly you must slacken off the cables at the lever - it's a 2 minute job! Then tighten the rear brake cams till 'just' lightly rubbing (and certainly NOT in 4th gear - must be in neutral...) and then pull up the cable adjusters to put the lever where you want it - and check it pulls the brake on evenly at each wheel. Then do the fronts - yes 2 cams each front drum. With new linings recently fitted -i would remove each drum and wipe away the dust - and check for any leaks/springs rubbing on hubs/rear cylinders free to slide etc - just a good once over to make sure all is well.

[james.ed]

Thanks everyone.. All done and feeling alot more repsonsive