I've been adjusting the handbrake this morning (mine is a 2010 model year so manual handbrake) - quite straightforward and the handbrake is now solid and holds the car perfectly.

However, I noticed that when either wheel is jacked up, and the handbrake fully engaged, I can still rotate the wheel in both directions a tiny amount (approx. 1 inch at the circumference) with a distinct metallic clunk as it stops.

It suggests that the brake shoes are moving against the backplate very slightly with the wheel.

Is this normal, or should I be worried about it?

My view is that it's OK. I just had a look at some photos I took a few years ago when I last did this job. I guess that the cable is attached to a lever which expands the shoes and then the chunk of metal sticking out from the backplate (which acts as an end stop) is what stops them moving when the wheel/drum rotates but since the shoes are expanded slightly there will always be a bit of play to take up. Any other views?





 3 x FL1 2 manual + 1 auto
5 x FL2 4 manual + 1 auto
Now Discovery Sport P250 MHEV SE

I think that must be right. The adjuster on the other side is free to move, so as you say the shoes are able to move very slightly until hitting the stop on the backplate.

It all seems a bit antiquated. In essence it's no different from the handbrake on my 1963 Mini, which in turn is descended from the Austin 7, I believe.

Compare it with my 2002 Audi: the handbrake acts directly on the pistons in the rear calipers, it's self-adjusting, and it really works - you can actually stop the car with it!

Sounds normal to me, mine certainly is the same. (Now Sold). 2008 Freelander 2 (Nazca Sand) SE TD4 Auto. Statutory write off & on WOVR for hail damage but still road legal.
171037Km as of 09/05/22
Superchips Bluefin Flash
Nanocom Evo II (also sold)

As above sounds normal - that said. How many turns of the adjuster to you make I think it should be 6-7 maybe?. When I fitted new hand brake shoes I ended up just backing it out until the shoes didn't bind(about 1-2 clicks) the hand brake now works far better than it ever did. I found that advice in a thread on here

I go for 2-3 clicks, but the manual says to back off 8 clicks, which seems crazy to me. Maybe there is an issue with excessive wear if you don't back off enough?