350i handbrake adjustment - help???

[sprevett]

did a search on this and it appears you shouldn't adjust the cable to get the handbrake to work (long enough for the MOT at least) - but adjust a screw (held in by a split pin?) each side instead? can anyone give a bit more info on how to do this? ta

[wedgefettler]

With the back of the car jacked up, and the back wheels off, slacken off the handbrake cable, 2 nuts over the NS caliper, then you should see a split pin in the handrake adjuster. Take the pin out, and tighten up the adjusters with a screwdriver, until you can not turn the half shaft around by hand. Turn the adjuster back to line up the holes for a new split pin. Do this on both sides.
Once adjusted, adjust the handbrake cable to suit with the 2 nuts.

[sprevett]

triffic...thanks. will report back...

[sprevett]

ok took a couple of go's but it is working very well now. As already pointed out, cable needs to be slackened RIGHT off (mine is now on the end of the threaded outer sleeve so has maximum future adjustment travel if needed)and then the screws on the calipers can be wound in much further than they were previously, and bingo....wheels now lock up nicely when handbrake applied. Sorted. Thanks for info!

[pault0007]

I found that by freeing up the arms whilst removed and opening the outer casing there is a knurled automatic adjuster which works really well but you need to wind it anti-clockwise before fitting the handbrake arms back onto the disks, Then simply operate it manually with your hand several times until the pads mate with the disk. Refit the handbrake cable and then adjust the slotted screw with the split pin in which allows adjustment of the travel of the arm incase it cannot travel far enough to allow the automatic adjuster to work. Mine needed adjusting as the arm fouled against the top of the Diff.

Only took me a whole day to complete lay on my back with the back end as high as you can manage.

Happy Spannering

Pault0007

[dixiebabes]

I asked the same question before but found out it was'nt the handbrake that needed adjusting my diff bearings had disintegrated. Stuck under the car at the BBWF was'nt my idea of a good time after the brakes failed on the M1 at 90 mph.

Good luck

Dix