Handbrake cable replacement [AUTODOC TUTORIAL]

How to change hand brake cable on a car – replacement tutorial

You may need the following:

                      a set of suitable tools
                    
                      all-purpose cleaning spray
                    
                      wire brush
                    
                      WD-40 spray
                    
                      pliers
                    
                      a set of plastic trim removal tools
                    
                      a drum brake repair toolkit

Buy tools

Please note!

The handbrake mechanism helps to hold the vehicle in place when it’s parked
The handbrake cables transmit the force from the handbrake lever in the passenger compartment to the wheel brake mechanisms
It is recommended to change all cables at once because they have approximately the same lifespan
Look at the design and location of the handbrake cables

1.

The fasteners connecting the cables to the handbrake lever in the passenger compartment are located under the centre console or below it on the underside of the car
2.

Remove the centre console
3.

Loosen the tension of the cables
4.

Remove the rear wheels

The handbrake can use the following types of wheel brake mechanisms
Rear calipers with the integrated handbrake componentsBrake shoes that are housed inside a drum or disc
5.

In the first case, simply disconnect the cables from the cable brackets on the calipers
6.

For the second type, you need to remove the calipers, caliper brackets, and brake discs or drums

The brake drum or disc might be difficult to remove;
either because its surface is stuck to the hub or other mounting seator because the handbrake shoes are holding it in place
7.

In the second case, loosen the brake shoe adjuster
8.

The adjuster gear can be accessed via the wheel bolt hole or the hole in the hub
9.

The adjuster access hole may be located in the brake backing plate. In this case, the adjustment is carried out from the back of the plate

Important!
If the adjuster is stuck and the drum or disc is difficult to remove, a special tool will be required
10.

You can tap the brake drum with a hammer to make disassembly easier or screw bolts into its service holes, if there are any
11.

Check the condition of the brake adjuster, the adjuster mechanism, the springs of the brake shoes, and the drum or disc. Replace them where necessary
12.

Access the cable fasteners; depending on the design, it may be necessary to remove the shoes first
13.

Note the position of all the elements and observe their design features
14.

Proceed in sequence, first on one side of the axle, then on the other
15.

First, remove the parts securing the brake shoes. Use a fork-type screwdriver or a special toolkit

Please note!
Remove the springs carefully to avoid injury
16.

Clean and disconnect the cables and their fasteners one by one from the suspension components and the car body
17.

Disconnect the cables from the handbrake control lever

Please note!
Depending on the design, it may be necessary to remove the exhaust heat shields which block the access to the cables and their fasteners
18.

Install the new cables and all the previously removed components in reverse order

Please note!
Handbrake cables may differ in design and length depending on the installation side
19.

Adjust the handbrake shoes

Important!
They must be located at a certain distance from the drum
20.

Put the brake drum back on and centre the shoes
21.

To do this, press the brake pedal and switch the handbrake on and off several times
22.

Then adjust the position of the shoes using the brake shoe adjuster

Important!
The drum should rotate freely, touching the shoes slightly
23.

Keep adjusting the shoes until you achieve the right result

Be careful!
Do not overtighten the brake shoes
24.

Be sure to adjust the handbrake mechanism on the second wheel

AUTODOC recommends:
The parking brake must be adjusted so that it does not interfere with the rotation of the wheels when the car is in motionWhen the lever is pulled up 5 clicks, the mechanism should hold the vehicle in place

Comments – 2

D. K.

14.09.2024 08:13

Member

Pictured is old V40, not 2012-2015, so tutorial absolutely useless, as it doesn’t show how to strip central console in v40 2014 model.
- Graziana Venturi
  
  16.09.2024 09:08
  
  D. K.
  
  Moderator
  
  Good day! Thanks for your feedback.
  Generally, the replacement process will be similar; however, there may be slight variations due to the specific design features of your vehicle. For more detailed information, please refer to the vehicle's technical documentation or contact the service center directly