Hi just bought a skoda fabia estate 09 plate for a run about and have just realised that there is excessive travel on handbrake, I have read another post on here so started to follow the steps until I've seen this, which doesn't look right to me, any advise would be appreciated as I'm a novice to this sort of thing, thanks in advance. 

You now need to have a look at the rear brakes, ie service them as doing that will highlight anything that seized etc.

It’s not always imperative that the balance is equal on that bar. It’s effectively self calibrating. It’s usually down to a cable to be honest. I’d say a pair of new cables as they are cheap and a rear brake service.  

Welcome to the forum.

 

if you're a novice, I'd be inclined to put this into a garage and get it sorted properly. What's on the back, drums, and what's the mileage?

Hi thanks for 1st reply, and to 2nd reply it is drums and shoes, its on 97k now and not shore what's been replaced on the back, I know that it has fairly recent discs and pads on the front. I am in the building trade and consider myself technically minded and I would be more than happy to have a tinker around with abit of direction as this only a run about car and not essential for day to day life. Thanks guys 😀

2 minutes ago, Dominic88 said:

Hi thanks for 1st reply, and to 2nd reply it is drums and shoes, its on 97k now and not shore what's been replaced on the back, I know that it has fairly recent discs and pads on the front. I am in the building trade and consider myself technically minded and I would be more than happy to have a tinker around with abit of direction as this only a run about car and not essential for day to day life. Thanks guys 😀

Part of the reason I asked about mileage, is at 100k miles, the drums are probably goosed. You can fit new shoes, spring kit, etc, but the surface material on the drum will be worn, and it probably has a lip on it. Then there's the high likelihood the rear brake cylinders are weeping.

 

Put the car in gear on the flat and chock the front wheels. Release the handbrake and undo the rear wheel bolts slightly. If you have a decent jack, then get that under the car at the rear sill area (marked with a little indent) and leave the factory jack in the boot. Get an axle stand under the car for safety and release the wheel nuts on one wheel.

 

Using the palm of your hand, hit the wheel on the tyre wall at the top and it should release off the hub. Undo the cross-head or Allen key screw on the drum. This is nothing more than a locating screw. With a decent torch, look through the threaded holes on the drum by rotating it until you see a wedge and a small hole in it (will be in top area). With a bradawl, lever it up.

 

You should now be able to release the drum off the hub. Get some pictures posted... it won't be pretty.

OK will do thank you guys for your help 👍

There is a guide with photos on here for a Fabia rear brake service.