How to Tighten a Loose Handbrake?
3 Answers
If you find that the sensitivity of the handbrake is not ideal, you can adjust the operating copper cable of the handbrake to solve the issue. There is an adjustable compensation mechanism at the bottom of the handle that can be adjusted. Use a jack to lift the rear of the car so that the two rear wheels can rotate freely. For automatic transmissions, shift to the P position. For manual transmissions, shift to 1st or 2nd gear. If it's too tight, the screw may not turn. If it's too loose, the screw may be blocked by internal parts of the handbrake and become invisible. Then, use a wrench to turn the screw clockwise for adjustment. Fully release the handbrake and check whether the rear wheels can rotate. Both rear wheels should be checked to prevent wheel lock-up.
I often encounter this issue. A loose handbrake is usually caused by cable stretching or aging. To adjust it yourself, first release the handbrake to its lowest position, then locate the adjustment point near the rear wheels, which may be under the chassis or in the central tunnel. Use a wrench or spanner tool to loosen the lock nut, gently tighten the adjustment bolt a little, and finally retighten the lock nut. Test the handbrake to see how many clicks it locks at – don't make it too tight to avoid accelerated wear. If you're unfamiliar with tools, it's best to refer to a manual or find a safe spot to work to prevent the car from rolling and causing injury. Regular handbrake checks are a good way to prevent this problem. I personally test the tension by pulling it a couple of times every few weeks. If it remains loose after adjustment, the cable might be broken or require professional repair – don't delay as this affects braking stability.
As a car owner, I believe the handbrake loosening is mainly caused by reduced elasticity of the cables after prolonged use. You can flip up the rear seat or open the trunk to locate the adjustment bolt near the handbrake lever connection point. Use common tools to gently tighten it, remembering to keep the car stationary and test by engaging a gear during the process. The test method is to check if the handbrake can hold the car steady on a slope. In daily use, avoid keeping the handbrake tightly engaged for extended periods on inclines, as this accelerates loosening. For prevention, regularly visit maintenance shops to check the cable condition. I feel DIY saves time, but safety comes first - if unsure, consult a professional. Last time I neglected this, my car slightly moved in the parking lot, giving me a scare. Overall, don't worry about minor issues, just adjust them promptly.
