Adjusting handbreak

[norniron]

hi

anyone any tips on adjusting the hand break on my early 90s abbey somerset, van still rolls when break is fully applied.

thanks

gavin

 

[Damian]

Gavin, start with the van jacked up on axle stands, so both wheels are clear of the ground.

Depending on what axle is used, Knott or Al-Ko dictates how to adjust.

The Knott system has an adjuster nut on the back of the drum, the Al-Ko has two green bungs, the upper one of the 2 should be removed to allow access with a flat bladed screwdriver to the adjusting star wheel.

With the handbrake OFF, adjust the brake on each wheel until it stops the wheel, then back off until the wheel just turns freely.

Always rotate the wheel FORWARD when adjusting or you will activate the reversing mechanism.

When both wheels have been adjusted, apply the handbrake , it should only travel 2 or 3 clicks.

 

[cooky1]

I think there is also an adjuster on the cable that runs from the hand break to the centre of the van undeneath, then the cable splits into two, to go to each wheel. As Damian says, adjust breaks at the drum and then another adjustment can be made to get both wheels breaking evenly.

 

[norniron]

thanks chaps,

ill give it ago at the week end,

if i do this adjustment , does it effect the hitch breaking mech , i wouldnt want the van to lock up when towing, or is there a seperate adjustment for this.

thanks

Gavin

 

[Damian]

Gavin, it is usually only necessary to adjust at the drums, as this is where the wear takes place.

Make sure the hitch is pulled fully forward before doing any adjustments.

As has been mentioned, the rod under the van goes to a balance bar, which should be laying at 90 degrees to the rod when the brakes have been adjusted properly. if it is not, then you need to adjust the cable length at the balance bar to achieve this.

The van brakes normally operate only when the car slows and the van tries to catch up with the car, which pushes the hitch backwards, applying pressure on the brake lever which applies a pull to the brake rod and brakes.