Quite urgent handbrake issue

[fruktstav]

Hello, friends!

I’ve been in the process of refurbing a 89 ES since march and im very close to success. However, the handbrake is what is standing between me and a passed MOT.

So basically it’s giving 13% braking power, but it needs 16%. I have tried tightening the brake wire, to moderate success, but it didn’t get me quite all the way. I have also changed the wire and the brake disc which didn’t finish the job either.

Now I’m wondering if the handbrake is connected to a drum brake in the back? Are there brake shoes that might need replacing? The feeling of the handbrake when trying to drive the car with it activated is that of metal on metal so I’m thinking there’s a brake shoe in there with a grounded down rubber surface.

So the TL;DR is, what else can I do for the handbrake other than the wire and disc? Is there even a brake shoe in there? Anyone got some schematics of the hand brake parts?

As we say in Sweden, it’s “burning in the neighborhood” since I have to get this fixed before friday it’s quite urgent so any and all advice is greatly appreciated!

[jifflemon]

Handbrake cable is the absolute last part of adjustment, not the first. I’ve done a couple of posts about how to do but the TLDR summary is

1. Wind the pistons all the way back in
2. Apply the foot brake to push the pads against the disk
3. Adjust the caliper adjusters until the disc is locked, then back off 1/4 turn.
4. Adjust cable to give 7 clicks

[fruktstav]

Ok, thanks!

Just to clarify, there are no brake shoes then? The wire only actuates the caliper and the regular brakes are then clamped onto the disc?

[jifflemon]

Correct.

Cable pulls the lever, lever presses on a pin that pushes the piston out a couple of mm.

[fruktstav]

Cheers mate! Just got a through the inspection thanks to your brilliant advice Happy summer driving everyone!

[jifflemon]

excellent news!