Parking Footbrake Adjustment

Ants944 · May 20, 2004

Hi guys

I've just had my MOT fail at a local garage ('94 GS300) due to lack of reserve in the parking brake, i.e. the pedal goes all the way to the floor.

Apparently there is adjustment in it, but does anyone know where i access it for adjustment, is it under the car? near in pedal? ??

Any pointers much appreciated

cheers

Ants

newport · May 20, 2004

When I had that it was shoes worn out and scored the drum, so new shoes, drums/disks, and pads lexus did the job cost £450 OH MY *** and I dont even use the parking brake. :duh:

norkep · May 20, 2004

On mine, it's near the rear axle under the car, the cable has a tensioner (with 2 x 10mm nuts for adjusting) just before it splits into 2.

Ants944 · May 23, 2004

Thanks guys i hope its just a matter of adjustment, least i can point the garage in the right direction for adjustment :)

Ants

randyreindeer · May 24, 2004

Ants.

In theory, your handbrake/parking brake shoes should never wear out. We all know its easy to leave the brake on and drive off though.

Best way to sort it is the longest way. Take of the rear calipers, remove the disc and make sure the shoe adjusters aren't seized. If they are then the chances are they will need replacing. Just by adjusting the brake shoes should enable the pedal to become firmer with out the need to touch the cable.

Ants944 · May 26, 2004

Sorted now :) it did just need adjusting, fortunately. The pedal is much more positive now and only moves about 1/3 the travel it did before :)

thanx for your suggestions

Ants

Gedwood · November 23, 2023

Same problem. Failed MOT because pedal goes to the floor and won't hold the car.

The MOT garage actually fitted complete new rear discs (with built-in drum) and pads less than a month ago, so their fault.

I have adjusted the park brake myself some time ago, and there was a very fine line between drag and not working. I've seen figures on a brake meter which implies only 18% efficiency on the parking brake.

It is my understanding that the cable(s) can be adjusted, to take up the slack and give a more positive / less travel feel to the parking brake pedal - so that it actually holds the car. That, unfortunately is the extent of my knowledge. Can anyone point me at where the cable can be adjusted, and is it a DIY job?