Handbrakes 101

[gale]

Too much time on my hands, aka don't feel like doing yardwork.

Handbrake adjustment:

1. raise both rear wheels off the ground

2. release handbrake lever

3. pry boot up & loosen cable adjuster nuts:



4. remove one wheel lugbolt (not necessary to remove wheels)

5. insert medium flatblade screwdriver into lugbolt hole

6. engage blade into teeth of brass star adjuster wheel

Note: When facing the left rear wheel, the star adjuster is approx. at the 4:00 o'clock position for an e32/e34. It is at about the 2:00 o'clock position for an e36.



For the left wheel, push the end of the handle sideways to the left (toward the center of the axle). This will rotate the adjuster wheel in the opposite direction and will expand the shoes toward the drum. May take 6 or 8 clicks if it's been awhile.



Turn the wheel periodically to tell when the shoes are making contact with the drum. When you think you have it, pull up on the handbrake to reset the shoes, and release the handbrake all the way. Turn the star wheel a few more clicks until it's firm. Back off in the opposite direction 2 clicks.

Repeat on other side. For the right wheel, the star wheel will be at approx. the 8:00 o'clock position for an e32/e34, 10:00 o'clock for an e36. Pry the screwdriver AWAY from the axle to expand the shoes. Adjust the firmness the same as for the left wheel.

When done with the wheel adjustment, tighten the handbrake cable adjuster nuts as evenly as possible until it takes 4 clicks of the handle ratchet to set the handbrakes. Some cables have a single nylon locknut, others have a 10 mm nut with a smaller 9 mm jam nut.

The shoes may drag for a little bit but that should go away by itself. If they are too tight, loosen the star adjuster(s) another click or 2 or repeat the cable adjustment.

[632 Regal]

definetly in the archives!

[rob101]

who drew the solid works models?

[gale]

who drew the solid works models?

Those are "Donco" specials. Like I said, too much time on my hands & didn't feel like doing yardwork

[Fetch]

Thanks gale, very nice

[e34.535i.sport]

Superb. I love the diagrams!

[mikeythekidd]

Maybe we shouold all go over and do Gale's yard work. Thanks Gale.

[Qube]

Holy diagrams Batman! I didn't bother doing it before but now it looks so pretty and simple

[Milkboot]

Now I have no excuse not to do this.. but it would have to be after I do my yard work

[Paul in NZ]

my hanbrake is hopeless.....when i apply it say to do a hill start or if the car is rolling forward slightly i can feel the left side of the car raises more than the right,so i guess the left wheel has "more " handbrake than the right...??