Volvo 480 Club Europe

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.

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

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.

It's always nice and tight.

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