How to adjust the handbrake

Handbrake not holding? Here is how to adjust it. Modern cars use different types of parking brake systems. Some are fitted with a traditional lever near the centre console. Others use a foot operated pedal or an electric parking brake button. The rear brake design can also vary. It may feature drum brakes, disc brakes with an integrated parking mechanism or a drum and disc setup. But the basic operating principle remains the same. When you apply the parking brake, force is transmitted to the rear brakes. In traditional systems this force is usually transferred via cable. In this video we are focusing on the traditional handbrake lever. Main signs of a fault. The first sign is that the lever rises too high before the handbrake starts to engage. Another symptom is that the vehicle rolls on an incline even with the lever fully raised. If the lever feels too soft or loose the system may not have enough tension. If it feels too stiff the mechanism may be seized or over-tightened. Also watch out for grinding, scraping or delayed brake relief. Why the handbrake stops holding? One of the most common causes is stretched cables. Worn parking brake shoes or pads also reduce holding force. Corrosion can cause cables, levers and guide components to seize preventing force from being transmitted fully or evenly. Checking and adjusting the handbrake. First release the handbrake fully. Make sure the rear wheels rotate freely before making any adjustment. Find the adjustment nut. On many vehicles it is under the centre console near the lever. On others it is underneath the car near the cable equaliser. Before tightening anything inspect the cables carefully. If a cable is damaged or seized replace it first. Now tighten the adjuster gradually. Turn the nut in small steps then operate the lever several times. This helps the cable and mechanism settle. Check the lever travel again. Subscribe to the channel. It should move smoothly with firm even resistance. With the handbrake released the rear wheels must rotate freely. If they are dragging the adjustment is too tight. Over-tightening can cause brake overheating and accelerated wear. On drum brake system the shoe adjustment may need to be carried out first. If the shoes sit too far from the drum, cable adjustment alone will not resolve the issue properly. After adjustment secure the lock nuts and refit any trim. Now test the result carefully. In many vehicles normal lever travel is around five click. But always check the specification for your specific model. Test the holding force on a gentle slope. Then release the lever and confirm the vehicle rolls freely. After a short drive check for heat or a burning smell from the rear brakes. If the handbrake still does not hold adjustment alone is not enough. Cables, shoes, pads, springs, guides, the equalizer or the caliper mechanism may all need replacement. A properly functioning handbrake is a basic safety requirement so do not put it off. Subscribe for more practical car tips and let us know in the comments what fixed your handbrake.