The handbrake helps maintain the vehicle in its parking state. It is thus convenient when you park on a slope as your vehicle will not move and cause damages and injuries. Innovation in handbrake development has seen more manufacturers moving to disc brakes to replace the drum braking system. They are effective, last longer, and are highly responsive. However, these will wear out with time, and the need to adjust the disc handbrake will arise.
Disc handbrakes are often used in high-performance vehicles due to their performance. They will easily bring the vehicle to a complete stop at high speeds with minimal braking distance. When the system is damaged, detecting the problems early helps fix them. Importantly, your parking brake will continue to be reliable and perform well.
When Should You Adjust The Disc Handbrake
Identifying problems with the disc handbrake is simple. They will manifest as inefficiencies in the handbrake system, and you can begin fixing them. Here are some situations that will prompt you to check on the status of your parking brake and perform any needed adjustments.
#1. The handbrake is too tight
Applying the handbrake should take about five to eight clicks. A tight handbrake will, however, require fewer than five clicks. It is thus an indicator that you need to adjust the handbrake and correct these problems. The tightness will make it hard to apply the brakes and increase the speed of wear and tear on them. It is thus vital to ensure they have the right tension.
#2. Your vehicle is still moving
When you apply the parking brake, your vehicle should remain still. This is even when you have parked it on a slope. When the handbrake is loose, however, the vehicle will still move even after applying the brakes. This is your cue for adjusting a disc handbrake.
#3. The braking distance is too long
Your vehicle should have a short braking distance when you apply the brakes. If the braking distance is too long, your handbrake is ineffective, and adjusting it is necessary. You can thus adjust the disc handbrake to ensure it is performing well.
The disc handbrake has numerous components compared to the drum braking system. These include brake shoes, cables, and many more. It is thus important to inspect them separately when adjusting a disc handbrake to identify their problems.
Checking The Disc Handbrake Cables.
The cables transmit tension from the handbrake lever to the disc for the braking effect. They are thus the first component to check when your braking system malfunctions. Here, you will check for cable breaks, detachments, or whether other components hold it. Firstly, lubricate the cable and try applying the handbrake after some time. The tension level will reduce significantly. Indeed, if the problems persist, you can check underneath the vehicle for other causes.
First, elevate the vehicle using axle stands, creating enough room to adjust. Run through the cable from the handbrake lever to the rear wheels. In the process, check for any damages causing these problems. If the cable is frayed, replace it. Furthermore, untangle it from any positions it might be stuck on. The cable inspection is an important part of adjusting a disc handbrake.
Adjusting The Disc Handbrake Shoes
The shoes on the disc handbrake system help initiate the braking effect. They are this important to consider too while adjusting a disc handbrake. These shoes sustain all the friction and will wear out after some time. Checking and adjusting them when the need arises maintains the peak performance of the handbrake.
Firstly, identify the adjustment slot and check whether there is enough room to adjust. Secondly, use a screwdriver to tighten the wheel adjuster until it clicks into place. Additionally, you can use the adjuster nut to further tighten the primary cable tagging on these shoes. It makes them effective, and braking becomes easier. It is thus an important part of handbrake maintenance.
Checking The Star Wheel Adjuster
This disc handbrake component is installed near the bottom. Firstly, spray the area with oil before evaluating it to ensure the component moves easily and can be adjusted conveniently. Secondly, rest a screwdriver onto the edge of the slot and begin turning. Indeed, turn the star wheel adjuster until you have the rear disc locked into position.
You can test it by hand to ensure it isn’t moving. Finally, slacken the wheel by half a turn, and the adjustment is complete. You can finally proceed to the other wheel, and finally, adjusting a disc handbrake in these components is done.
Testing The Tension On The Handbrake
Testing handbrake tension helps evaluate the adjustment results and whether you need to adjust it more. Here, you can manually test by pulling in the cable or engaging the handbrake. In the former test, you only have to tag on the cable and check its movements. It should remain firmly in place to show tightness and work well. Furthermore, you can lubricate these sections to ease friction and ensure better performance.
You can engage the handbrake in the latter test and take down the number of clicks registered. As highlighted earlier, a well-functioning disc handbrake should register between five to eight clicks. You can engage and disengage it severally while noting these clicks. Additionally, you can park the vehicle on a slight slope and observe whether it will move with the handbrake engaged. If it remains firmly in place, it shows that the adjustment was successful.
Conclusion
Adjusting a disc handbrake is an important aspect of your vehicle maintenance. You should check on it often and evaluate its performance before making any required adjustments. Also, check out this comparison between Akebono and Performance.This ensures your parking brake is at peak performance and that you are safer while driving. You no longer need a technician for the job.
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