Handbrake adjustment. Easy or not?

[groucho]

I have just noticed that my handbrake needs adjusting
as my car now rolls backwards on the slightest incline.
Is this an easy job? or is it just easier to get the experts to do it?

Grouch.

[GreenV8S]

It is not as easy as tightening the cable, in fact this can prevent the automatic adjuster from working properly and cause exactly this sort of problem. Unless you are very confident you know what you are doling, I suggest you get it sorted professionally.

[starmist]

Strangely, I am just about to fit new rear pads myself, and was wondering how to push the pistons back to allow the thicker pads in. Is it just a matter of srewing the piston back, or do I need to adjust the handbrake as well?

[GreenV8S]

You just need to screw the pistons back, leave the handbrake adjuster and cable alone. There is a standard tool for winding Ford calipers back which makes this job trivially easy. Doing it without the tool is possible but can be difficult and frustrating.

Edited to add: apart from winding the handbrake mechanism back, the rest of the procedure is pretty straightforward i.e. clean the caliper, clean and grease the sliders, flush the fluid, reseat the pad before you move on to the next wheel.

>> Edited by GreenV8S on Sunday 22 August 12:06

[starmist]

I just tried srewing the piston (clockwise?) but it doesn't seem to be moving in (only turning). Do I need to apply pressure on it as well, or should it just screw in on it's own?

>> Edited by starmist on Sunday 22 August 12:08

[GreenV8S]

As I say, its possible but a right pita without the tool. Get the tool, they only cost a few quid and most motorfactors stock them. If you really want to do it yourself then you need to press the piston in and turn it clockwise at the same time, but be prepared to spend a fair time faffing around with it.

[starmist]

Sussed it! With the caliper still held in position by one of the floating pins, I put a bar across the two pieces that hold the outside pad in place, and whilst turning the piston with a pipe clamp (being careful not to damage the dust seal), put a bit of pressure on the end of the piston with a second bar.

Having worked out how to do one side, the second side only took five minutes, from wheel on the ground to wheel on the ground!

Easy once you know how, eh?

Thanks very much for you help, mate.

Now, to fit the Wilwood front discs and calipers....

[siwes]

VERY NOT
simon

[starmist]

siwes said:

VERY NOT simon

?