mx5cartalk.com

Hey all,

How do you tighten the handbrake cable?

With all these motorkhanas Im doing I better learn how to do it myself... haha

It should only need an initial adjustment and then self adjust. However, more information here.

Thanks JBT...

For anyone else interested, I found this too:

http://www.miata.net/hakuna/0030/h0003.htm

not sure if it applies to NB's but my NA needed the caliper piston to be adjusted before any improvement in handbrake feel was apparent. That i you undo the size 14 blocking bolt and insert a size 5 (or 5.5) hex key and turn to tight then back off slightly. This si the only way i could get my rears locking up - even though i was using project mu drift pads in the rear!!

Dave

So, how high is the handbrake handle supposed to rise. My NA (bought yesterday) has the handle go up a Looooong way.

M

4 to 7 clicks works.

From down the page at: http://www.flyinmiata.com/techline/olde ... rkey%20day

The best info Ive gathered on this topic:

.... The Miata's four wheel disc brake system is self adjusting in the front, but requires periodic caliper adjustment in the rear for proper pedal height and parking brake function. At my shop, we always set the rear calipers when doing oil changes and it was usually noticed by the customers.
Anyway, here goes: There is a bolt with a 14mm head on the back of each rear caliper. Actually there are two bolts of this size, one holds the bracket for the handbrake, one unscrews to gain access to the caliper adjuster. Pull the one covering the adjuster (don't worry, no fluid should come out!) and you will find an allen type adjusting screw. It takes a 4mm wrench to turn it. The technique is to (with the handbrake off) turn the adjuster in (clockwise) while rotating the brake rotor by hand. As soon as it stops or you feel a heavy drag, stop and back the adjuster off 1/3 turn. Make sure that the rotor now turns freely. Reinstall the 14mm bolt and repeat the procedure on the other side.

And the article goes on to describe the solution *If* your allen bolt strips.....

Peter

Thanks!

I counted 14 clicks before it stopped the car rolling down my driveway.