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How to make sure the handbrake is all good?

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eraser Fahrvergnugen

970 posts · joined Mar 2005 ·

#675463
Howdy again,

Again i have done Google searches and read most of the books I have here on doing the handbrake but I thought I would get some advice from people that have done it.

So the VW i just got didn't have the handbrake installed, I went and grabbed all the needed bits (man was that difficult finding them {still missing a ser clip}). I have installed it (again nice and difficult when you don't have a handbrake to compare it to) but its all good now, I have adjusted it on the handbrake and it stops the car rolling, but how can i really know if its all good? As in both brakes are actually grabbing and not just one etc? Any advice appreciated and I’m sure other people may find this helpful.

Should i of adjusted the handbrake cables on the rear drums before doing up the cables on the handbrake?

11CAB If ya got it....Baja it

4,674 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#675466
you need to adjust the drums first then the handbrake second.....if necessary, back the handbrake adjustment right off to do the drums properly.

To check the handbrake, jack the back of the car up and put it on jack stands so the rear wheels are off the ground, and you can feel that both wheels are locked with the handbrake on.

Also make sure that both brake adjusters are out the same amount when adjusting the drums
65 Meyers Manx
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76 Baja Kombi Twincab

hellbugged 48's and straight cuts

5,080 posts · joined Apr 2003 ·

#675467
adjust shoes at rear............ ilike todo them up tight then back them off three notches

adjust handbrake cables at lever........so it comes up three or four clicks

with handbrake on, gently try to take off in first gear (riding clutch) does it dip down on one side or the other.......or does rear of the car "dip" both sides equally?...........if not the side that doesn't "sag" needs more handbrake adjustment

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