Hi all.

My VRS passed MOT today thankfully.

However I have receievd an advisory for

"Handbrake efficiency only 16%"

I only recently had the rear discs and pads changed.. about 200 miles ago.

I was told the handbrake would be useless for about 500-700 miles.

Does this advisory mean:

a) I just need to wait for the pads to bed in, then the efficiency will return

The rear brakes have been fitted incorrectly

c) The handbrake cable needs tightening

If it is C, how do I do this? On my corsa there was a 7mm nut under the gaitor.

Cheers

Theres a thread around that tells you how to adjust the handbrake, i followed it and it works, you might need a long 10mm socket or a ratchet 10mm spanner ( which is what i used )

Why not ask them at the MOT station what exactly is wrong with your hand-break.

What is the travel like? I'd expect fully on in about 6 clicks (based on Octy).

Congrats. My Fabia also passed its MOT today without needing any work. 2 advisories, one on slightly worn front discs, the other on slightly corroded back box. Nothing that can't wait w while, though, which is a good job as I'm skint.

cable adjustment will not be the problem

the pads and discs probably wont be bedded in yet

but you could check whether the handbrake levers are fully back on their stops on the caliper, if not , pull them back manually , then pump the brake pedal hard , this will adjust the pads up, obviously do this on a flat surface with the front wheels chocked to stop movement

Other quick way of taking up adjustment on the HB is to stop, really mash the footbrake into the carpet, apply the HB as hard as you can, release the FB, then try and release the HB (may require use of the FB again).