- My model of MX-5 is: __2002 mk2
- I’m based near: __newport pagnell
- I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: __Can anyone please tell me how to adjust the handbrake. best regards Phil
There must be a YouTube video or an ‘how to’ somewhere on the web. Similar if you can find one to the MK1 rear calipers.
Basically it’s slacken off the cable at the handbrake lever inside the car and you need ideally both rear wheels off the ground. You then with a 4mm allen key adjust each side on the caliper adjuster just so the pad to disc holds the disc from rotating then back it off until you feel a slight drag pad to disc.
Do both sides equally then adjust back up the handbrake cable at the lever again so you have around 7 clicks on the lever to hold the car.
Take a test drive and recheck your handbrake is holding both sides equally, sometimes it’s a little fiddly to get the equal both sides.
Assuming both caliper operation are good plus slide pins free well lubed.
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Chock up the front wheels, crack the wheel nuts, jack the rear of the roadster up and rest on axle stands on both side, now it is easier to remove the wheels to gain easier access, but not needed if you don’t mind wiggling about underneath.
So wheels off and under the sill of the Mx, that way if she slips , it will land on the rims not you.
In the cab ,release the handbrake lever, remove the cover( 1x phillips head trim screw).
Wind off the slack from the handbrake cable with either a large flat head driver or a 1/4 drive ratchet, extension piece and 10mm socket,
G to the calipers and crack the 14mm blanker bolts from both side,
Get a 4 mm allen key ( T bar type if poss) and wind the grub adjuster all the way in until it stops and wind back off a 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn( dependent on the calipers wear) so that there is free rotation with the pads just catching,
Now do the other side the same , now it is very important that the adjustment is even on both sides for the hand brake to be balanced and work correctly,
Now back in the cab and start to adjust the slack back up on the handbrake lever until you get a 7-9 clicks with the hand brake engaging and releasing by checking the rotation.
Once happy put the handbrake lever trim back in place.
Hand brake on,
14mm blanker bolts back in.
Wheels back on,
Back down on the floor,
Tighten the wheel nuts,
Remove wheel chocks,
Job done.
Go and get a brew and a bacon butty.
Roof down and get out in her.
M_m
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