NA8 handbrake adjustment should it be automatic?

lonesailor · Postby **lonesailor** » Mon Aug 12, 2019 1:01 pm

The adjustment for the handbrake on my NA8 needs adjustment every 1000k or so, The pads have a minimum of 5mm left but are worn a little unevenly, I have cleaned the sliders and greased them recently, I have both adjusted the hand lever both to the manual's specs and also tried it somewhat looser. There is one "M" spring missing on one side but doubt that is causing the problem, and I have lubricated the actuating levers on the calipers and checked the wheel ends of the cables but can see or feel no problems. I assume the adjustment should happen automatically but it doesn't. Has anybody got any ideas? I have just today ordered new pads all around and would like to sort this out before I fit them.

Red_Bullet · Postby **Red_Bullet** » Mon Aug 12, 2019 8:13 pm

you have to check that the internal adjusting mechanism isn't seized, a but of lube up inside the internals as described below will help.

From another forum:

To adjust the parking brake;
1) Release the parking brake (lower the handle) Be sure the wheels are chocked so the car will not roll, use proper supports under the car 'cause you'll be under it.
2) Find the hex head plug on the back of the rear caliper (one on each side) it's pretty much in the middle right behind the piston.
3) Remove the plug and under it you'll find an adjustment gear that's turned with an Allen wrench (sorry I do not recall the size, 4mm maybe?).
4) Turn the adjusting gear clockwise until the brake pads just touch the rotor.
5) Back the gear off 1/3 counter clockwise. I repeat this operation a couple of times, just to be sure that all of the slop is out of the movement of the pads and also to be sure both sides are equal. Lubricate in here if any binding is noticeable, it should all turn smoothly. On mine the adjusting gear was damaged and required replacement.
6) Put those hex head plugs back in!

This is pretty easy.

If the parking brakes are still loose then adjust the cable where it meets the handle under console. But you must be sure the adjuster on the calipers is set correctly first.
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Luke · Postby **Luke** » Mon Aug 12, 2019 9:12 pm

No self adjustment on NA or NB's. You will have to do as per the above procedure.
As there is no self adjustment you do have to adjust every so often. Normally you do it at 10000km services.
Since you mention you are changing the pads don't try just pushing the pistons in. It does not work that way. You have to drive the pistons back with the allen key as per step 4 and 5.