mx5cartalk.com

Just had an issue with handbrake not holding properly, I adjusted the cable but found after I'd jacked the rear up that it still wasn't holding on one wheel .

No biggy when I checked the caliper pad adjustment I found that it was 3 full turns from locking the rotor down so after a bit of pedal pushing and handbrake pulling I reset the pad and bingo handbrake works just fine.

I pulled the wheel and checked the other side while the car was in the air anyway and the adjustment was on the money.

The handbrake wasn't previously much chop.

I'm wondering how this maladjustment came to pass

Is there any way that these adjusters can back themselves off on thier own

Or is this just another in the list of woops missed that one.

Like the 17mm top gearbox bolt that was hanging out 10mmm
And
The cables not reatached to the fasteners.
And
The coolant not properly bled out.
And
And the clutch not adjusted after a new install.
And
The list goes on ad infinitum.

Just sounds like slipshod maintenance. Correct brake adjustment is listed here: http://www.miata.net/garage/brakepad.html

Thanks for that, I'm good with the pads instal, just wondered if the adjusters can go out of wack on thier own ?

They can't go out as such but can become stuck if not checked/cleaned for a long time - greater than 5 or so years.

JBT wrote:They can't go out as such but can become stuck if not checked/cleaned for a long time - greater than 5 or so years.

Thanks , I guess someone must have just missed it , how ???

How? Poor maintenance I guess. Handbrake adjustment should be part of normal service at least annually.

JBT wrote:How? Poor maintenance I guess. Handbrake adjustment should be part of normal service at least annually.

Yup, reotorical question realy , I'm finding that any job I get done engenders a complete check to see what has been missed or stuffed up somewhere in the process.

I've been using Mazda for all the things I just can't do myself on the theory that they cost more then independants but will be more thorough and I'll get a better job.

The theory dosem't seem to be panning our to well