Handbrake check (12 000 Mile (20 000 Km) / 12 Month Service)
Pre-September 1985 models
1 Adjustment of the handbrake is normally automatic by means of the self-adjusting mechanism working on the rear brake shoes.
2 However, due to cable stretch, checking of the handbrake adjustment is recommended. Adjustment must be carried out if the movement of the lever becomes excessive (more than six notches). Proceed as follows:
3 Chock the front wheels then fully release the handbrake.
4 Raise and support the vehicle at the rear with safety stands.
5 On adjustment check that the plunger protrudes from each rear brake backplate,
Handbrake adjustment indicator plunger
their respective length of movement indicating the handbrake adjustment condition. Before checking their movement (stroke) length, firmly apply the footbrake to ensure that the automatic adjuster mechanism is fully actuated.
6 Now check the plunger stroke movement. If the total movement of both sides added together is between 0.5 and 3.0 mm then adjustment is satisfactory. This should give three to six clicks (notches) of handbrake application movement. If there is no measurable plunger movement or if the total measurement exceeds that specified adjust as follows.
7 Loosen the handbrake cable locknut, then rotate the adjuster sleeve
Handbrake cable assembly
A Primary cable B Equaliser C Adjuster sleeve D Locknut E Secondary cable
so that the plungers can just rotate and the total movement of both plungers is as specified above.
8 Hand tighten the locknut against the sleeve so that two engagement clicks are felt, then further tighten another two clicks using a suitable wrench.
Models from September 1985
9 Proceed as above, noting that since September 1985 a locking pin has been fitted to the cable adjuster abutment bracket to lock the adjuster sleeve and locknut together.
10 Should it be necessary to adjust the cable, the locking pin must be removed by pulling it out using pliers.
Removing the handbrake cable adjuster locking pin
After adjustment a new nylon locking pin must be used and can be fitted by carefully tapping it into place.