Handbrake Shoes

[SupraP-Z]

So finally upgraded my rear brakes to UK specs! Adjusting the handbrake (never done it before) wasn't as hard as I thought. Now I have a question regarding settings:

 

When I turned the cog to loosen the mechanism, the rear wheels spun quite freely, so I put the discs on, tightened it up to the top on both sides and took it back a few notches - the wheels still turn but I can feel resistance even with the handbrake down - are the shoes meant to be constantly pressing up against the disc while driving, is this normal? Or do I have to turn it down a few notches more?

 

The handbrake is tighter now, much better than before. At around 5 clicks its solid

[Chris Wilson]

They need to turn freely. Unless you are really good boy and never apply the hand brake until the car is totally stationary, the shoes will bed in and need re adjusting after a while. If you never apply the hand brake until the car is stationary, and never forget and try and drive off until it's fully released, you will never have to buy more new shoes.

[SupraP-Z]

So there should be no resistance when turning the wheels, the same as the fronts? I could still turn the hub with my hands when the handbrake was down, there was just a bit more resistance compared to when I had completely loosened the mechanism.

 

So if I turn the cogs down, the mechanism will tighten, releasing the plates on the inside of the brake discs...but then the handbrake travels a lot further and clicks quite a few more times before it gets tight? Is there a middle ground I have to find?

 

I am a good boy

Edited October 13, 2014 by SupraP-Z (see edit history)