Models with rear drum brakes
1. Correct handbrake adjustment is maintained by the automatic adjustment of the rear brake shoes. However, as the cable stretches over time, the handbrake lever stroke may become excessive. In this case, follow these steps.
2. Block the front wheels, jack up and place the rear of the car on axle stands.
3. Release the handbrake completely.
4. Turn the knurled nut on the cable adjuster (mounted on a torsion beam), so that the brake shoes begin to rub against the drum (you will hear a rustling sound) when turning the rear wheels forward manually (see illustration).
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5. Loosen the adjuster nut so that the shoes move slightly away from the drum.
6. The handbrake should engage when the lever moves to the second notch of the ratchet.
7. After completing the adjustment, make sure that the handbrake cables move freely. Apply a small amount of grease to the adjuster threads to prevent corrosion.
8. Lower the car to the ground.
Models with rear disc brakes
9. Where applicable, remove the hubcaps, then loosen the rear wheel bolts and block the front wheels. Jack up and support the rear of the vehicle on axle stands. Remove the wheels.
10. Move the handbrake lever to the second notch on the ratchet.
11. For models with two overhead camshafts (DOHC) equipped with a catalytic converter, unscrew the four mounting nuts and remove the thermal insulation shield of the central section of the exhaust pipe.
12. On all models with a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), loosen the knurled nut on the cable adjuster (mounted on a torsion beam).
13. On models with two overhead camshafts (DOHC), loosen the nut securing the cable equalizer to the handbrake lever drive rod.
14. Insert a screwdriver through the adjustment hole of one of the disc/hub units (see illustration) and turn the adjuster wheel so that the brake pads begin to rub against the disc (you will hear a rustling sound) when rotating the disc/hub forward manually.
15. Turn the adjuster wheel in the opposite direction so that the pads move slightly away from the disc/hub.
16. Repeat steps 14 and 15 on the second wheel.
17. Turn the nut on the adjuster or cable equalizer (depending on the model) to the position where the handbrake starts to work. Make sure that the brake works simultaneously on both wheels.
18. Release the handbrake completely, then tighten it again.
19. The discs/hubs should lock when the handbrake lever reaches the sixth notch on the ratchet. If necessary, turn the nut on the cable adjuster or equalizer (depending on the model), to achieve this.
20. Where applicable, install an exhaust system heat shield.
21. Install the wheels and lower the vehicle to the ground. Do not fully tighten the wheel bolts until the vehicle is lowered onto the wheels.
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