Handbrake adustment

[Dougie212]

Hi there

My wife’s MG3 has an MOT looming and had an advisory at the last one for the handbrake tension. I’d like to tighten it before the next test.

could I ask the best way to do it? I’ve seen the adjustment on the rear drums is the preferred method, but did also wonder if the adjuster by the lever was also acceptable?

Grateful for suggestions and pointers.

Thanks

Dougie

 

[Mottie]

Adjusting the rear brakes would really be the best option. That’ll give you a better brake pedal too.

 

[Dougie212]

Awesome, thanks Mottie. I’ll get to it shortly then.

 

[carmanmemoranda]

Yes. Adjust the rear brakes, and only then adjust the cables if needed

 

[Dougie212]

Any suggestions how to get the drum off???? I’ve done what I thought was the hard part of getting the hub nut off but the drum won’t come off now. I’ve tapped it with a hammer. I tried with the wheel bolts all out and the tamper proof out too and it seems to be stuck … it won’t come off completely… any suggestions??

 

[Stivino]

MG3 rear brakes at 7:00 minutes

 

[Burnerman]

I flood the area with a penetrating oil to get between the hub and drum.
A few whacks with a hammer ( turning the drum too) usually shifts things.
Application of heat around the area where the drum grips the hub may help.
If it’s really stuck, it’s out with the slide hammer.
You may find a rust lip on the drum inside when you do get it off and it’s best to remove this.....I use a die grinder for this.
John

 

[carmanmemoranda]

You have taken the drum retaining screw off?

 

[Burnerman]

He says so.....even if the drum is stuck, removing the hub nut should give some movement.
I’m wondering if the drum has shifted at all.....if so, it’s a rusty drum lip I guess that’s the issue.
John

 

[Stivino]

You have taken the drum retaining screw off?

It's in situ in his picture, and doesn't seem to have been moved going by the tell tale paint.

 

[Old Salt]

Yeah that little phillips head screw needs to come out!

 

[Burnerman]

Is that what he means by the tamper proof Torx?
John

 

[carmanmemoranda]

Is that what he means by the tamper proof Torx?
John

Maybe but it doesn't look like it's moved

 

[Burnerman]

Agreed
John

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

could I ask the best way to do it? I’ve seen the adjustment on the rear drums is the preferred method, but did also wonder if the adjuster by the lever was also acceptable?

Loosen the front adjustment off, adjust both sides at the rear. Take up the all the adjustment, then press the footbrake hard, to centralise the shoes, then release. Back off the adjustment at the rear, until you can turn the drums, but not without any drag at all. Many adjust them so there is no drag, which leaves them with far too much play - expect a little drag.

Finally adjust at the front, so with it fully released, it is not applying the handbrake.