Acura 1997 2.2 CL - adjusting handbrake?

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by darren, Jun 7, 2004.

  1. darren

    darren Guest

    HELP!

    I know I asked this question before and someone replied that you can adjust
    the handbrake cable ontop of the rear calipers - but yesterday jacking the
    car up - the cable goes straight onto a spring linkage clevis and is not
    adjustable! has anyone done this before? is the linkage adjustable from
    inside the car - do I have to remove the center console to get access?

    Unfortunately this is my fiancées car - and now I look stupid for taking
    her car apart and only put the stuff back on with no success!

    Apart from buying a manual (I'm not going to pay for it) maybe I'll suggest
    that she takes it to the local garage where they can adjust it in 30secs!!!

    Darren
     
    darren, Jun 7, 2004
    #1
  2. darren

    SoCalMike Guest

    youre already "paying for it", in wasted time.

    the adjustment is by the hand brake.
     
    SoCalMike, Jun 7, 2004
    #2
  3. darren

    motsco_ _ Guest

    +++++++++++++++++++++

    If nobody who drives that car ever uses the park brake, you may not need
    to adjust anything. It's supposed to click four or five times to
    lock-up, but if it doesn't get used, it won't seem to work right when it
    does get used. Read the owner's manual about this part.

    The adjustment is under the plastic console, but don't adjust it for too
    few 'clicks' or it won't adjust automatically AT ALL in the future. It's
    not a Volkswagen. :)

    If the Park brake has been unused, try backing up very slowly, and yank
    the brake on and off (sharply) about twenty times to notch up the stars.
    Count the clicks before and after to prove if you're accomplishing
    anything. It won't over-tighten.


    'Curly'
     
    motsco_ _, Jun 7, 2004
    #3
  4. You might be able to get at the adjuster screw by removing the rear ashtray
    - if not you should be able to see it and then get at it by removing the
    rear part of the console. It operates on both cables simultaneously by
    moving an "equalizer" forwards/backwards on the rod coming from the
    handbrake lever. If the equalizer is badly unbalanced, there's a problem
    with the cables or their sheathes.

    Rgds, George Macdonald

    "Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??
     
    George Macdonald, Jun 8, 2004
    #4
  5. darren

    SoCalMike Guest

    my rear handbrakes (98 CX, 46k miles) wonky too. takes 8 clicks to engage!

    before i go adjust it i want to check the rear shoes, since im afraid my
    girlfriend may have driven with the parking brake on. rear shoes dont
    just "go" in 46k miles, and the handbrake shouldnt need an adjustment.

    bleh.

    but while im in there, i might as well smear some more grease in the
    untouched bearings and bleed the brakes front and rear, starting w/ the
    rear of course.

    any other hints/tips/tricks/advice?
     
    SoCalMike, Jun 8, 2004
    #5
  6. On drum brakes, it could be that the self-adjusing mechanism is slightly
    corroded and is not turning the adjuster star wheel between the clevis
    pins... or it might just be on the verge of clicking over to the next
    notch.
    It's always good to clean out corrosion from brake assemblies occasionally
    - make sure everything is able to slide where it should.

    Rgds, George Macdonald

    "Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??
     
    George Macdonald, Jun 8, 2004
    #6
  7. darren

    darren Guest

    Thanks everyone. I shall check the handbrake tonight.

    Darren
     
    darren, Jun 8, 2004
    #7
  8. darren

    darren Guest

    Thanks George!

    After unclipping the rear ashtray I could see the linkage with the
    adjusting nut just like you said. Furthermore I removed the insert to hold
    the CD's in the center arm rest and you can see the linkage clearly from the
    top.

    I used an extra long socket set to turn the nut until my socket bottomed
    out on the threaded bar, then I used a spanner wrench from the top access to
    finish the rest.

    Now I have the respect back from my Fiancée by saying I saved her $60 - and
    it only took 10 mins!

    Darren
     
    darren, Jun 9, 2004
    #8
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