How to Adjust Brake Tension?
3 Answers
Tighten the adjusting nut on the brake lever to its maximum (turn clockwise to the end), then prepare the brake cable. First, thread the cable and pre-tighten it on the fixing screw. Press the brake lever by hand and observe the travel of the two brake arms. Try to make the travel of both brake arms the same. The travel can be adjusted using the adjusting nut on the brake lever. Turning counterclockwise reduces the brake travel, while turning clockwise increases it.
Hey, I had this issue where my handbrake kept getting loose, and the car would slide when parked on a slope—super annoying. Later, I figured out how to adjust it myself, mainly by locating the adjustment point. First, park the car on level ground and pull the handbrake halfway. Then, go to the center console inside the car, lift the bottom cover, and you'll usually find an adjustment nut or screw. Use a wrench or screwdriver to tighten it clockwise a bit, but don’t go too hard, or the handbrake will be too tight and uncomfortable while driving. Release the handbrake and test it a few times to make sure it holds steady at 4-5 clicks without slipping. Alternatively, if your rear drum brakes have an adjustment hole, you can also use a small stick to rotate and adjust them. Remember to take a short test drive after adjusting to ensure the braking force feels right. The whole process takes about half an hour, but wearing gloves is safer to avoid cuts. Regular maintenance and checking brake wear can save you a lot of trouble later.
Having driven for over a decade, encountering a loose handbrake is a common occurrence. A simple adjustment method starts with the handbrake lever. Grab a toolkit, remove the cover in the handbrake area near the driver's seat, and locate the hidden adjustment bolt—tightening it will pull the cable. Alternatively, lift the car to inspect the rear wheels; drum brake systems often have a small access window where inserting a screwdriver and turning clockwise does the trick. However, many modern cars now feature electronic parking brakes, which require professional adjustment. Pro tip: avoid over-tightening in one go. After adjusting, test the brake’s hold on a 15-degree slope to ensure stability. Safety first—if unsure, don’t force it; a small fee at a repair shop is worth the peace of mind. Remember, brake systems are complex, and DIY carries risks, but a proper fix brings driving confidence. Regular checks can prevent major issues.
