Hi, my cars due an mot next week and i think there's a little too much play on the handbrake. This is the first car I've had with discs all round so not sure how to adjust the hand brake. Is the easiest way to just take the slack up at the handbrake end or is there adjustments at the wheel? Thanks in advance.

First of all remove the calipers and pads and clean everything up, and maybe even fully retract the pistons, then re-assemble and see if the pistons can take up the slack and get the handbrake working, I'm guessing here, but probably the handbrake is not currently working too well even when the lever is fully "on"/up!

99% chance it's down to your rear caliper handbrake mech sticking/partially seized.

Have a search as there are loads of threads on sorting it/fitting helper springs etc.

Whatever you do don't adjust the handbrake cable until you are sure the caliper ends are working correctly

Sweet, ill take both calipers off and give them a good spring clean first to make sure nothings seized. And ill leave the cable alone for sure then.

Thanks for the replies. Much appreciated.

99% chance it's down to your rear caliper handbrake mech sticking/partially seized.

Have a search as there are loads of threads on sorting it/fitting helper springs etc.

Whatever you do don't adjust the handbrake cable until you are sure the caliper ends are working correctly

both levers  must be on the stops   don't adjust the cable to the point where they are NOT

both levers  must be on the stops   don't adjust the cable to the point where they are NOT

What's that got to do with what I put?

merely adding to the points you made ---getting touchy?

merely adding to the points you made ---getting touchy?

No,just didn't make any sense quoting my post really

guess I should have pressed +1     senior moment :sun:

guess I should have pressed +1     senior moment :sun:

Or added the word 'also' at the start of sentence

If both the cables are on the stops with the handbrake off then adjustment is advised, tighten up the cable, only one nut to tighten up as both cables on a saddle bar. This is under the ashtray/cup holder in rear of center console behind handbrake. You are allowed about 1mm max gap between stops with handbrake off, any more & you are sticking on.

 

Basically the internal return spring FUBAR's & it happens quicker on the drivers side (UK). This is why people fit external helper springs. So don't worry if you have cleaned them up etc & it still sticks. You could also have a worn piston seal & burnt on rubber crud on the piston which would also cause it to stick.

So turns out the calipers were FUBAR, so garage fitting new ones while doing mot. Not the cheapest way unfortunately, but didn't have time to do it myself.