I was really shocked today when I pulled on the handbrake at a level crossing while waiting for the barriers to rise. I was on a very slight incline and gave a firm pull on the lever, but the car kept rolling back with hardly any braking at all. I counted the clicks and it was firm at 6 clicks and I could not get it past 8 clicks - therefore adjusted correctly I think.

What can be causing this poor handbrake performance? I have yet to strip down the rear wheels so I don't know what I am likely to find - the discs look ok though so I assume the handbrake drums will be likewise. Cheers,
Raz
FL1 TD4 GS Auto 2001 Silver
FL2 TD4 Auto 2007 Black
FL2 XS SD4 Auto 2012 Fuji White

Probably you didn't (or it wasn't ever) bedd-in the handbrake...
Take a look here:
https://www.freel2.com/gallery/albums/user...ing-In.pdf

I have properly bedded in the handbrake on both of my f2s and they have both been crap. The auto , if left in drive will creep forward on 6 clicks.

Excellent info as usual Alex - but can I deglaze the shoes in some way or is a new set (and bed in) the only answer Cheers,
Raz
FL1 TD4 GS Auto 2001 Silver
FL2 TD4 Auto 2007 Black
FL2 XS SD4 Auto 2012 Fuji White

Tandemman wrote:

I have properly bedded in the handbrake on both of my f2s and they have both been crap. The auto , if left in drive will creep forward on 6 clicks.

I DREAM of creeping - I would settle for staying still on flat ground  Cheers,
Raz
FL1 TD4 GS Auto 2001 Silver
FL2 TD4 Auto 2007 Black
FL2 XS SD4 Auto 2012 Fuji White

brake shoes corrode badly, adjusters can seize too At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

chicken george wrote:

brake shoes corrode badly, adjusters can seize too

Sounds like I need to whip 'em off at the weekend and have a closer look then  Cheers,
Raz
FL1 TD4 GS Auto 2001 Silver
FL2 TD4 Auto 2007 Black
FL2 XS SD4 Auto 2012 Fuji White

I had the same problem with movement when the handbrake was applied.

When I changed my brake shoes the 'expanders' (which apply the brake when the cable is pulled) were totally seized but the adjuster was fine. I didn't have time to buy replacements (believe they're about £13 each) but spent a little time making them move.

The difference afterwards was very noticeable - once the handbrake is applied it doesn't move now....

I intend (during the better weather!!!) to strip them down again and replace the 'expanders' with new. 2002 Honda VFR800
2002 Toyota Celica 140 Silver (mid life crisis - again!)
2007 FL2 GS Manual Army Reconnaissance Green + freel2.com sticker
2004 Toyota Celica 140 Black - Gone
2000 Toyota Celica 140 Silver - Gone
1998 Toyota Celica ST Pearl Green - Gone
1996 Nissan Primera 1.6 - Gone
1994 Rover Montego 1.6 Auto - Gone

Sounds like I might have the same problem Simon - I don't suppose you have the part number or a picture of the part? Cheers,
Raz
FL1 TD4 GS Auto 2001 Silver
FL2 TD4 Auto 2007 Black
FL2 XS SD4 Auto 2012 Fuji White

My handbrake was crap but it is now fine after adjusting it. Just turn the clickwheel until the brake is locked and then back it off 8 clicks. John
07 HSE Narvick Black
Land Rover Series One
Triumph Rocket 111 (sadly gone!)

a little tip when you fit the new shoes put a little bit of copperslip grease on the mouting surfice where the shoes slide on also put some copperslip grease on the expander this should help to stop the shoes and the expander siezing up for a long while dont put excessive amounts on though  rainy-city
xs

Expander

http://www.famousfour.co.uk/new_parts/part_info.php?partID=15132 2002 Honda VFR800
2002 Toyota Celica 140 Silver (mid life crisis - again!)
2007 FL2 GS Manual Army Reconnaissance Green + freel2.com sticker
2004 Toyota Celica 140 Black - Gone
2000 Toyota Celica 140 Silver - Gone
1998 Toyota Celica ST Pearl Green - Gone
1996 Nissan Primera 1.6 - Gone
1994 Rover Montego 1.6 Auto - Gone

Hi guys, I recently had a similar problem - I notice you all suggest leaping in and taking the brakes apart, but no-one mentions adjusting the cable under the coin tray (which worked for me).
Have you all tried that first anyway and moved on? 2008 FL2 TD4 XS Zermatt Silver, Manual
2010 Jaguar XF

That was the first thing I checked as it only involved lifting up the coin tray and adjusting the nut that is revealed - I believe the correct adjustment is between 6 and 9 clicks to a firm pull on the lever. In my case although the adjustment is correct it doesn't appear to put any braking force to the rear brakes so it is quite likely something has seized.

I am thinking that the brake shoes themselves will probably be ok - surely they would never wear out unless the handbrake is left on. More likely the adjusters or expanders are seized. Cheers,
Raz
FL1 TD4 GS Auto 2001 Silver
FL2 TD4 Auto 2007 Black
FL2 XS SD4 Auto 2012 Fuji White

Last edited by RazMan on 11th Jan 2012 12:27 pm. Edited 1 time in total

Thanks Alex

I bedded mine inthis morning as per your post and definite improvement

Nick