Continuing from my last comment from 3 months ago, I finally got around to performing this handbrake adjustment on my VX. After getting the adjustment cogs unseized, I got it done fairly smoothly. As I suspected, the left-hand side was far out of adjustment compared to the right-hand side. The shoes and rotors didn't appear to be unevenly worn, so I'm unsure how it could have ended up so far out of adjustment. I achieved 4 clicks on a flat surface and 6 clicks on slopes - all in all, a success. Thank you again!
Hi Samuel! Thank you for your feedback! I mentioned that "four to five clicks" is what I prefer.Sure, you can set it differently. And my way of doing it is only a guide. I am not taking into account things like: stretched brake cable, Holden modified brakes pads shoes*, unequally warn rotors etc. * Holden had modified the brake pad shoes by installing a bracket with spring to keep them centralized and contracted then handbrake is off. That is why on original version if you have a bit of touching - doesn't mean that both pads are touching. Best deal on Modified version is available from REPCO. In regards of final adjustment I recommend following: Move you seat all the way back and expose the hand brake handle by lifting the soft plastic cover (no need to take it off). Under the cover you will be able to see a long bolt with 10 mm nut. This nut regulates the cable tightness. If your pads touching the rotors too much unwind the nut, if too loose tighten the nut.You ,obviously, understand that it is only good if none of cable sections are stretched (if so that's another job). In my case: I knew that cables are good, the 10 mm nut not wound all the way down and have plenty of room to be adjusted. To answer your question: Why 4-5 clicks? First is a safety:shorter travel - quicker response, especially during the rain and on highways, second and most important: it is convenient for my wife - so I never have her objections to spent time with my "Interceptor" ))) Best Regards
Good video Alex. Thanks for the tips mate. It's a wonder they just didn't have a slot in the backing plate so you can adjust it the way you can on almost all drum brake systems. My VZ Calais is the first car I've owned with 4 wheel disc brakes, and I didn't even know that there was a different set of brake pads for the handbrake. you are never too old to learn something new. Thanks again.
Thanks Alex, I just bought a VY, and the handbrake was nearly pointing at the roof, I used your video, and it was quick and easy. It now comes up 5 clicks, and is perfect now.
Very comprehensive video, thanks for taking the time to make it! I recently had to replace the handbrake cable on my VX and my understanding is that tightening purely from the cable can cause premature stretching, i.e. it will just snap again, so I didn't deliberately adjust it to 4-5 clicks like I prefer - rather I adjusted the lever nut to the same position as the old one, knowing that the adjustment needs to be made at the wheels. When applying the handbrake on any sort of slope, I can distinctly feel the car wanting to roll on only one rear wheel, unless I pull tighter - very obviously in need of adjustment and/or shoe replacement. Needing to pull tighter is likely what caused the lever cable to snap in the first place. Thanks again!
Excellent video Alex, very helpful for me and my SS Ute (first car I've had with rear disc brakes). Turned out to be much the same as adjusting rear drum brakes. Who'd have guessed. Thank you.
Great video, first time doing it for my berlina and you've helped lots. Unfortunately, 19mm on the back of the caliper had issues but using the adjustment hole worked out.
fantastic mate thanks, especially the guide for left and right star nut wheel adjustment. ..i was stuck on which side was up tight and down loosen...champion. ..
Just ran across your video and found it very helpful. Not sure if I would have figured it out from the written instructions in the service manual. THANKS!
Grateful Alex but found I could do my adjustments without removing rear pads to do they adjustments on my 02 VX calais... Thanks for the help as she has a W.O.F now.
Thinking should tighten cable first by hand brake, then fine tune left right balance using these adjusters. Just had a go and video was a big help thanks.
My VX has a VZ rear end it and the adjustment wheel does absolutely nothing. I pulled both sides out where the handbrake shoe rests on and there is no thread in there at all on ether side to adjust the points out. The handbrake cable just pulls the lever and pushes the two pivot points out to open up the handbrake shoe.
Hey Alex! Great video, is this same process for cars with an lsd and cars with locked diff? What's the best way to determine if the cable is stretched?
Great video Alex. I was looking for videos because I changed my rotors and pads and wanted to adjust the handbrake but the cog wouldn't turn, is there a trick to turning it I notice in the video you don't show when you actually turning it.
I changed my hand brake pads and all was good but after i notice that the hand brake only works when the car is moving forward but if the car is rolling back the brakes dont work at all ,weird i cant figure it out. If u know please help
hi alex my vy calais handbrake doesnt stay on when you pull it uo theres no clicks and there no button on the end of the actual hand brake any ideas hows to replace it cheers
What do you think the rubber grommets in the rotors are for? You don't need to remove your calliper or rotors at all. You simply remove the wheels, remove one of the rubber grommets, line the hole up with adjustment spindle and make your adjustment with a screwdriver. This will save you $200 in dodgy backyard mechanic fees.
Hi Peter, You are correct! And.I highlighted this. However, you will not be able to check the condition of your rear shoe pads and their positioning as well as cable tensioning and interconnecting spring. Grommets are good only if you confident that the rest works well. However, on any vehicle 10 y/old and more it is unlikely the case. Thank you for your comment!
You dont wipe off brake cleaner with a cloth , brake cleaner is designed to dry quickly by itself , you saturate the whole assembly in brake clean which lifts dirt off , and it drys by itself
At the end, you show the ideal adjustment with 4 clicks of the hand-brake. However, you mention there is still friction from the brake shoes when the brake is released fully. Surely this is a bad thing? When the car is driven, will it not rub and cause wear and extra rolling resistance? My VY's hand-brake only works right near the top, but it still locks firm and holds the car. I am happier this way, as I know there is no resistance from the brake shoes being too tight. Can you advise on how 4-clicks is good?
Mate, you missed out showing the hard bits, removing the caliper, its b hard to undo those 19mm bolts, feels like there about 90 ft lbs tight. BTW They look like once only types to me. Getting the rusted on rotor is another one, I got it off with a bolt and nut behind rotor through the caliper mounting hole to tension it up than hitting on the hand brake hub. Now the next problem, The rough adjustment ? the cog move two clicks, up or down seems to be ceased up somehow.
Hi Trevor! First I would check: 1. Wattage on brake lights bulbs-it has to be the same. 2. Brake lights relay 3. Limit switch of brake pedal (push/release button) If all above OK you need to check wiring and computer.In these scenarios I recomend to involve auto electrician. Regards Alex
Hi! I would tension the 10mm nut near the handbrake lever. If the nut on its maximum tension, I would replace the cable, it is a bigger job which requires a hoist to work under a vehicle, which can be done in a workshop by qualified mechanic. Do not forget, that stretched cable has no adequate integrity and might geopardize your safety.
