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Handbrake adjustment

IvegotaCommy

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What is the best method for adjusting the handbrake on a VN wagon? Had a look at the book and I think their method is dumb. They set the shoes using a calipher, which might work OK in the factory but makes no allowance for wear at all.
 

dufus

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I just adjusted the cable nuts on the adjuster connected to the handbrake until the rear wheels wouldn't move with the hand brake engaged, and would move freely with it disengaged. My handbrake works really well now
 

r_i_d_a_h

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is this the reason why most VN-VS commodores roll a bit forward/backwards once the handbrake is engaged and in Park?
 

VNexecutive

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adjusting the nuts just near the center muffler/exhaust (well in that area) is the best way to go.. just screw the bolts slowly, checking how many clicks your handbrake takes to get tight while your doing it. should be around 5 clicks before its tight

EDIT: the bolt to adjust the hadbrake is right next to the cat. i did mine today.
 
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Not_An_Abba_Fan

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The correct way to adjust the handbrake is to back the cable off until it is loose, then adjust the shoes inside the rotos through the hole in the side next to the wheel studs. Adjust it up until the wheel stops, then back off two clicks. Then adjust the cable until you have 4-5 clicks on the ratchet.
 

azzfox

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The correct way to adjust the handbrake is to back the cable off until it is loose, then adjust the shoes inside the rotos through the hole in the side next to the wheel studs. Adjust it up until the wheel stops, then back off two clicks. Then adjust the cable until you have 4-5 clicks on the ratchet.
iv always thought that you needed to take the rotors off to adjust the shoes so have always just adjusted at the lever :p will investigate further next time it needs adjusting..
 

Not_An_Abba_Fan

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There is a hole in the rotor that lines up with the hole in the axle, if they are fitted correctly.
 

Lost_Pete

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You need to adjust both the shoes and the cable to get the best handbrake action. Particularly if you use the car in skidpan or motorkhana events. You need the shoes balanced so each wheel grabs at about the same time (hence the shoe adjustment), plus you need the brakes to grab with minimal handbrake lever movement (hence cable adjustment).

HOWEVER be careful not to over adjust it as I have found the mechanism can "wind up" and leave the brake partially on.
 

iRiot

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grab two 10mm or 12mm spanners i think get under you car and tighten one nut then tighten the other its **** easy just behind the gearbox we do it a work all the time
 

Not_An_Abba_Fan

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That would be just a cable adjustment. To do it properly, as I and TurboXS have said, you need to adjust the shoes as well.
 
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