Just stripped rear brakes down as handbrake not holding, and found all adjusters free and plenty of meat on shoes, drums free from wear to, so refit and adjusted shoes up, but handbrake still won't hold. Did notice shoes glazed a little.
any ideas folks, would it be best to get new shoes discs etc
thanks Martin

Cable stretched? how did you adjust it?

When you say adjusters free, do you just mean the threaded adjuster? What about the linkages/pins? Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
Evoque SD4 Dynamic Lux Auto
Present: Audi A3 S Line.

Removed shoes and linkages, adjusters all free. Adjusted shoes through hole in discs and then cable under coin tray, managed about 3 clicks on handbrake, and that was about as far as could pull, and still doesn't hold. Strange one eh!

I just had my rear disks replaced, and after that my handbrake wouldn't hold either - not at all. So I let the car roll down a hill with the handbrake on and now it holds just fine! Presumably some contamination somewhere, which working the brake a bit got rid of. Might be worth a try.

Will give that a go, have ordered new shoes as discs seem fine, so will see how we get on cheers.

Hi! I had to tighten the adjuster by 3 or 4 turns so it would hold once the handbrake was tightened. 2007 LR Freelander 2 GS - factory tints, LR mud flaps, 2013 facelift)
Problems/solutions include: rear diff pinion replaced, stearing rack and pump replaced, alternator earth cable replaced (plus new alternator as misdiagnosed), throttle body replaced, MAP sensor replaced, secondary earth cable...
2002 MG TF 160 1.8i VVC - Gone
1998 MGF 1.8i VVC - Gone

From all the above, I take it a Freelander handbrake is a "car" type operating on the rear wheels, not a "4x4" type operating on the transmission.

I must say mine's pretty weak but, as it's an automatic, I rarely use it. Series 2A 1961, 1975-78, made to last forever.
Series 3 Lightweight, 1973, 1999 - 2012, still regret selling this car.
Freelander 1, 2005, 2005 - 2008, sold the minute its warranty expired.
Defender 90 200 TDi, 1985, 2012 - 2014, paid far too much for it.
Defender Wolf, 1998, 300 TDi, 2017 - 2019, too expensive to maintain and the Army hadn't.
Defender Puma, 2009, 2014 - 2014, not a sensible family car.
Freelander 2, 2012, current, is this the car to last?

There is a parking/handbrake bedding in procedure in topix. Basically at 24mph apply the handbrake until you can feel a braking force then one extra click. Keep the brake on for 400m then release. You'll probably have to readjust the handbrake cable but the glaze on the brakes will be gone.

Chris Bb wrote:

From all the above, I take it a Freelander handbrake is a "car" type operating on the rear wheels, not a "4x4" type operating on the transmission.

Thanks will give that ago.
Martin.

Hi Martin,
I had the same problem when I replaced my handbrake shoes. It wouldn't hold despite the correct bedding in procedure.
There is a pressed metal linkage between the shoes which I freed off and lubricated. Still no joy.
So I bought a new linkage and bingo, good handbrake again  Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

Thanks pegleg ordered new shoes with new adjusters and linkage, so will see fingers crossed!

Don't think you'll need to cross your fingers, it'll be fine
That silly pressed metal link is a right load of carp, it doesn't move much, but does need to be very free. Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

The hand brake is naff on mine despite been adjusted.

Tbh I always Park in gear so not worried but it does seem to be common.

T Terran



'The' Car For The Modern Day UK Roads ( ie all the pot holes )

'A Freelander that leaks oil is just marking its territory' - Wise words

Now a member of the FL2 'Silly Bill' Club