Just posted off the SVA application form so I thought I ought to sort this out.

If I have the handbrake on and the car out of gear the handbrake only holds the car from rolling if you pull it right up to the top, i.e. the last click on the ratchet. I have tried tightening up the adjuster nut thingy (just behind the handbrake lever) but it just seems to make the top point move down, i.e. it still only holds when you pull it right up as far as it goes.

Is this normal?

If not, any ideas how I can adjust it?

(btw, it's an Escort axle with drums)

Cheers

Are the rear brakes adjusted up nicely? Are they new shoes? They may need bedding in if so.

Shouldnt cause too much of a problem though as long as it holds.

The inner cable may be too long so wont adjust up any more - may be worth checking.

Suspect it would be a good idea to let the cable adjustor right of to give maximun slack in cable, remove rear brake drums check to make sure that handbrake linkage inside drum is moving O.K. then adjust rear brake shoes. Must admit it's been a while since I worked on a mark2 and can't remember if they have manual adjustors ie a square adjustor on the rear of the backplate or an auto adjustor. If the former refit drums and turn adjustor clockwise until drum is locked , then back off adjustor until drum turns , if latter operate adjustor with drum off 1 click at a time fit drum and try turning , repeat until drum resists turning , back off 1click then adjust handbrake. HTH

What rust nuts says MK2 has auto adjusters inside the drum you have to run up with a screw driver.

Also you may find the daft rubber hinge thing on the axle is knackered and gone to stiff, ditch the fix is to the Escort cable, saw off the rubber hinge and throw away cross rod and then the cable from a late Morris Ital -- straight replacement no other modes required except a big cable tie round the axle to support the outer cable (this is how it was done on the Marina/Ital.

[Edited on 9/9/05 by britishtrident]

The first step should be to make sure everything inside and outside for the rear brakes isn't siezed and is moving freely. Secondly adjust the rear drum brakes properly, so the shoes are just very lightly dragging, then back it off two or so clicks on the adjuster. Then work your way up the system making inspections and adjustments until you find the problem. Its the way I was taught in trade school and hasn't failed me in 20 years as long as I didn't miss a step.

[Edited on 9/9/05 by madman280]

Thanks for all the hints. I took the wheels off yesterday, removed the drums, adjusted the fit of the pads, etc. and now it seems much better