Handbrake always needs re-adjusting

Brakepads, discs, handbrake. The brakes are crucial for your Volvo 480. Use this category to learn all you need to know!

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Ben Harris
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Handbrake always needs re-adjusting

Post by Ben Harris » Wed Apr 06, 2005 10:30 pm

Every 6 months or so, I find I need to tighten up my handbrake, at the adjuster on the rear calipers, as it's reached the top of it's travel, and isn't holding the car any more. My handbrake cables are new (on one of my 480's), so I know it's not them, and it's something that both my 480's suffer from.

Has anyone found a cure? Is it a case that the handbrake actually should need adjusting this regularly, or could it be that the adjuster itself is slipping? I've thought about putting something like lock-tight onto the thread of the adjuster, but don't want to risk messing it up.

Any ideas?

Ben.
1998-2003 ... 1981 Austin Mini City
2003-2005 ... 1989 Volvo 480 ES (B18E)
2004-2006 ... 1994 Volvo 480 ES (B20F)
2006-2008 ... 1995 Mitsuibshi FTO GPX
2008-2008 ... 1994 Volvo 480 Turbo Auto (with RichMod)
2009-Onwards ... 1991 MK1 Eunos Roadster
2013-Onwards ... 1997 Subaru Impreza Turbo 2000 (Wagon)

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pol
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Post by pol » Wed Apr 06, 2005 11:15 pm

I replaced all my cables too and still have the same problem. I put it down to just a bad design. But would also like to know if it can be cured. Perhaps with new calipers? All the ones i've adjusted have done the same.

pol

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VanDerGraaf
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Post by VanDerGraaf » Mon Apr 25, 2005 10:16 am

My handbrake has not needed tightening since i bought the car last july, and i think the rear calipers on mine look a bit ropey!
It's always nice and tight.
08 Renault Laguna III Sport Tourer 2.0T 4 wheel steering madness
00 Citroën XM ES9 V6 incredible

Previously:
00 W210 Mercedes E430 V8 estate LPG .....wünderbar!
00 W210 Mercedes E320cdi estate dead, eaten alive
95 Citroën XM 2.5 TD estate dead
95 Citroën XM 2.1 TD stolen/dead
'97 Saab 9000 Aero gone
Vase Green '94 Twin Pipe 480 Turbo
"Scar", Vase Green '94 Turbo dead
"Green Goblin" '93 Turbo Auto PITA, dead
Grey '88 ES dead
Steel Grey '93 480 Turbo sold and believed dead

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Murf
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Post by Murf » Mon Apr 25, 2005 8:30 pm

It's always nice and tight.
:shock:
Kia Pro'ceed GT 1.6 Turbo
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felyx
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Post by felyx » Sat Apr 30, 2005 6:48 pm

do a pressure bleed with 4 litres of finest dot 4 brake fluid with the caliper adjusters at minimun setting (wound out fully) and bleed nsf then osr then osf then nsr calipers and only use 20 psi max on the pressure bleeder, they can be bought from loads of places but halfords have them for £15 i beleive.
your meant to do this evry (i think) 2 years but hardly anybody does on any cars which seems stupid but its common.

p.s this was the most satisfing car gizmo i have ever used and worked like a dream. you use your spare tyre to pressurise the bottle.

tips after each bleed on each caliper top up the pressure in the spare wheel and don't let the 500mm resivior run out. i did it once with 30 psi but blew the seals on the pressure can. its a really easy satifing job.and it only takes about 45mins including taking all 4 wheels off, treat yourself to a 9mm brake nipple spanner to as it will help a lot (about £3)

cheers Felyx
140mph for £175 just test the brakes

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