The handbrake, or parking brake, is present in every car and is a necessary element of the security system. There are times when it does not fulfill its function in whole or in part. In any case, this malfunction must be corrected as soon as possible.

Causes of a malfunction

Handbrake lever VAZ 2110 in a leather case

Consider the principle of operation parking brake(handbrake) on a VAZ 2110 car.

It's pretty simple. One of its main elements is a special cable. When the driver pulls the parking brake handle, this cable is tensioned, which evenly distributes its effect on brake pads each wheel of the car. During operation, the rear brake pads wear out, the cable stretches, and as a result, it becomes necessary to adjust or repair the handbrake. Also, very often, drivers, especially beginners, drive with the handbrake raised, which leads to premature wear of the handbrake cable. If the driver does not carry out preventive maintenance or repair of this mechanism in a timely manner, then the car can independently start moving from a place or will slow down the movement, up to a stop, on the rise.

The appearance of the parking brake cable on a VAZ 2110 car

Handbrake adjustment can be done not only in a car service, but also with your own hands at home. But first you need to familiarize yourself with the manual parking brake diagram in order to know its main elements for setting up this system.

Scheme of the handbrake on the VAZ 2110

In this diagram, the following elements are indicated by numbers:

1 - a button that fixes the handbrake lever;
2 - lever hand brake;
3 - protective pad;
4 - handbrake thrust;
5 - cable equalizer;
6 - adjusting nut;
7 - locknut;
8 - cable;
9 - protective sheath of the cable

First adjustment steps

To start adjusting the handbrake, you need to make sure that one of the three elements: lift, viewing hole or overpass.

An overpass is a type of engineering structure that is intended for laying a road or communications above the ground.

Homemade overpass for adjusting the handbrake on the VAZ 2110

At home, most often only a viewing hole is available. If you can’t use any of the listed conditions, then you can get by with a kind of supporting goats, which are a rigid structure installed under back body, after lifting it with a jack. In addition, it is necessary to prepare two wrenches of size "13", as well as pliers.

Now you need:

• lower the parking brake lever to its lowest position;

One of the adjustment steps is to lower the handbrake lever

• start tightening the adjusting nut and continue until the handbrake cable is tightened or slightly loosened if it is overtightened;
• while tightening the adjusting nut, hold the stem in the handbrake mechanism with pliers.

That's not all, as there are a few steps left to complete a complete handbrake setup.

Final setup steps

• continue turning the adjusting nut until we make sure that the brake lever has a full stroke of about 3 clicks (it is convenient to perform this operation together - one person rotates the nut, and the second checks the handbrake);
• after checking the stroke, tighten the lock nut while holding the adjusting nut with a wrench;
• now you need to check if the parking brake cable is pulled: the parking brake lever goes down, the rear wheels are lifted with a jack and scrolled by hand - they should rotate evenly, without delay;
• if the lever stroke is still large, then we continue to tighten the adjusting nut (or unscrew it if the cable is pulled) and regularly check the handbrake stroke until it is 3 clicks and the brake pads do not interfere with the rotation of the wheels.

After completing the adjustment of the system, you should check its operation. To do this, the driver needs to put his car on a section of the road with a slope of 23% and raise the parking brake lever. If the car is securely fixed on the road and does not move, this means that the work was carried out correctly.

Video instruction for adjustment

If the handbrake cable is broken

There are cases when one adjustment of the parking brake is not enough. This happens quite rarely and mainly on older cars - a break in the handbrake cable. The cable wears out over time and is no longer able to withstand the load of the car, and at some point it breaks. Sometimes a break occurs on new cars that are subjected to too intensive use, for which their braking system is not provided. Most often, the cables simply jump off or the ends of the cable, fixed in the drums, are frayed. wheel bolts, it also happens simply due to wear on the rear drum brakes.

The cable should be changed not only as a last resort, when it broke, but also as a preventive measure for its subsequent breakage in such cases:

• the handbrake cable hardly moves in the shell even after it is lubricated;
• cable ends are loose (you have to regularly tighten the cable);
• the cable strands began to stretch, which would eventually lead to its breakage.

Rope replacement. Step-by-step instruction

The operation of replacing the handbrake cable, as well as adjusting the handbrake, can be performed independently. Replacement is more difficult, but no professional skills, tools or equipment are required here. We must not forget about the assistant, which in this case is necessary for the driver in order to pull the cable with force for the correct installation of the equalizer.

Replacing the parking brake cable consists of the following operations:

1. Lower the handbrake lever down to the stop;

2. Remove brake disk wheel, from the side of which the cable is replaced;

We are filming brake drum wheels

3. Remove the muffler from its suspension pads, as well as the resonator from the rear suspension;

Removing the muffler from the suspension cushion

4. Lower down the exhaust system;

5. Unscrew locknut (1) and adjusting nut (2);

Unscrew the locknut, adjusting nut

6. Remove equalizer (4) from rod (3).

After that, we proceed to the following steps:

7. Remove the tip of the old cable from the equalizer;

Remove the tip of the cable from the equalizer

8. We also remove the tip from the shell of the bracket, which is located on the lower part of the body;

We bend the brackets of the handbrake cable

10. Remove the rear brake shoe and disconnect the tip of the cable from the lever;

Remove the brake pad and unhook the tip of the cable

11. Looking at rear axle- there is a cable holder, fixed with a nut, the tightening of which must be loosened;

12. Carefully remove the cable first from the holder, then from the bracket, and then from the brake spike;

Removing the cable from the brake shield Remove the cable from the bracket on the body Loosen the cable holder nut

13. We proceed to install a new cable, observing reverse order the actions listed here.

When installing the cable, be sure to pay attention to its location in the bracket - only crosswise! After installing the cable, it is necessary to correct tension and adjustment, which was described step by step above.

Handbrake cable replacement video

As can be seen from this description, the implementation of these works is simple and accessible to almost any driver who, without contacting the service station and saving a significant amount on this, wants to install a new handbrake cable or adjust the parking brake with high quality and with his own hands.

A rare owner of a vehicle did not forget to remove the car from the handbrake starting from a place. In this case, we speak unflatteringly about the parking brake and do not understand its true purpose.

Most motorists, in practice, use downshift for parking a car. At the same time, a situation often arises when the owner of the vehicle starts the engine without thinking that the car is in gear. IN best case the car will start moving and immediately stall. If, in front of the car there is an obstacle, the result becomes more deplorable. In this case, in addition to the bumper of your car, or an element of someone else's car, damaged by your own negligence, you will have to restore the vehicle's gearbox.

There are many such situations that can arise. Still, the handbrake is an integral part of the vehicle for a reason. The hand brake has been widely used in the automotive industry for a long time and each modern car still equipped with a handbrake. This is due to the fact that the main function of the handbrake cannot be replaced by another element of the car.

Purpose in the vehicle system.

Parking brake system designed to hold the machine on uneven stretches road way, as well as overpasses and slopes.

The handbrake, in addition to the main purpose, is often used to start after stopping on the slopes. The handbrake allows you to keep the car on an uneven surface, avoiding rolling down. The handbrake is also used experienced car enthusiasts for controlled drift. IN this case It must be understood that the technique of controlled skidding requires a lot of practice and appropriate skills. Therefore, simply experimenting with the handbrake is not worth it.

The device in question also performs the function of maintaining safety in the event of a brake pedal failure. In emergency situations, the car can be stopped by abruptly lifting the parking brake handle. Therefore, even if you do not use the parking brake on a daily basis, given the importance this device, it is necessary to timely check and service the handbrake.

You can control the state of the handbrake and restore its function in a timely manner by studying a simple handbrake device. The parking brake system is based on a drive in the form of a cable. Mechanical action, we actuate the handbrake cable, which in turn transmits the force to the actuator. The handbrake system may have a different structure depending on the manufacturer and the main features of the vehicle. Some vehicles are equipped with a system in which a cable is connected to brake elements rear axle. On some vehicles, the handbrake cable affects the propeller shaft.

Face driving a car acts on the handle, thereby pulling the cable. Thanks to a special distributor, there is an equal pressure on the brake pads of the rear axle.

On the activation of the brake, the driver is notified by a light indicator located on the dashboard of the car. Therefore, there is a simple effective way avoid handbrake failure. Before starting, the required without fail take a look at dashboard and make sure the handbrake light is off.

A working parking brake should securely fix the car on a slope of 25%. If the parking brake fails this check it is imperative to configure it.

No matter how reliable the design of the car, it is quite easy to damage the parking brake. You can damage the handbrake pads by driving once with the handbrake active.

The cause of a violation of the function of the handbrake can also be an unadjusted or loose handbrake cable. Adjustment of the handbrake cable should be carried out if, in order to hold the car, it is required to set the brake lever to the extreme top position. If the tension of the cable does not bring the desired results, the brake pads must be replaced.

One of the most common causes of failure is cable jamming. Such consequences are often caused by the ingress of dirt on work surface cable during vehicle operation. In this case, the problem is solved by simply cleaning the surface of the cable and subsequent lubrication. If during the operation of the machine the cable has undergone critical wear, it must be replaced.

Before you start adjusting the parking brake, you need to familiarize yourself with one important rule. Adjustment of the handbrake is carried out only under the condition of an appropriate technical condition brake pads, cable and drive!

How to properly adjust the parking brake?

The first step in adjusting the handbrake is its diagnosis. The handbrake is to be checked after a run of 30,000 km. This condition necessary even if the handbrake is working properly.

Checking the correct function of the handbrake is quite simple. To do this, you need to set the handle to its highest position, put the first gear mode and gently press the clutch pedal. In the case of full serviceability of the handbrake, the car engine will quickly complete its work. If, vehicle starts to move slowly, it is imperative to adjust the handbrake.

In most cases, handbrake repair is limited to replacing the cable. As a rule, to restore the handbrake to work, you just need to tighten the cable. The technology for adjusting the handbrake is quite simple and even a novice motorist can easily handle it.

Rope Adjustment Technology.

For necessary procedure, it is best to drive the car into a pit or overpass. If it is impossible to provide such conditions, then we raise the rear of the car with the help of a jack, install recoil devices.

Before starting work, carefully read the features of your parking system in the accompanying manufacturer's instructions.

Procedure.

1. Set the parking brake handle to the first position.

2. We unscrew the lock of the system - the equalizer and twist it again. At this point, the drive cable should be taut. If this does not happen, then the cable must be replaced without fail.

3. We check the tension of the cables by setting the handle to the desired position.

4. In case correct adjustment, the rear wheel cannot be turned by hand. After that, tighten the latch.

5. Remove the parking brake and check the movement of the wheels. After turning off the handbrake, the wheels should move evenly and without stopping.

6. Checking correct work handbrake in primary gear.

Happy adjustment!

Driving a car cannot be called safe if one of its mechanisms does not work or does not work correctly. This fully applies to the parking brake, which is commonly called the handbrake. If the handbrake does not keep the car on the rise, this not only threatens the driver with various parking problems, but can also backfire when emergency on the road, when the parking brake applied in time can help avoid a collision.

If the handbrake does not hold the car (or does not hold the car well), this indicates a malfunction. In the presence of such a problem, it is not necessary to contact the service center. Most often, the problem can be solved on your own pulling up the handbrake. In this article, we will look at how to do this.

Table of contents:

Why do you need a handbrake on a car

Before proceeding to consider the issue of adjusting the handbrake, you need to figure out what its task is. Many drivers do not use the car's handbrake at all, and in some modern machines it is even “hidden”, for example, under the armrest, which is most often omitted from the driver.

The main task of the handbrake is to prevent the spontaneous movement of the car when it is on a hill. For example, this can be useful in a parking lot or in a traffic jam on an uphill. In addition, it is much easier to touch the handbrake uphill or downhill, especially if the car is equipped with manual box gears.

In addition, the handbrake can be used in case of brake failure. If the car does not respond to normal pedal braking, the parking brake will stop the car, but this will adversely affect the car's braking system itself.

What is the handbrake made of?

The task of the handbrake is almost identical to the tasks that are assigned to conventional brakes. Distinguishes the handbrake from the working brake system it has a mechanical drive. If we consider the simplest design parking brake, it's just a cable that clings at one end to the lever in the car, and the other to the executive brake mechanisms. When the lever is pulled, the brake pads are compressed, which causes braking. Accordingly, lowering the handbrake, the driver opens the brake pads.

As can be understood from the design of the handbrake, two main problems can arise with it:

1. Stretching of the cable during operation, as a result of which the handbrake has to be raised higher so that the efficiency of holding the car remains at the same level;
2. Reaction to temperature changes. Due to the expansion and contraction of the metal included in the design of the parking brake, the handbrake may also begin to work less efficiently.

How to check the handbrake

Before proceeding with the rather laborious work of tightening the handbrake, you need to check whether this is really necessary. You can diagnose the parking brake using a special stand in service center, but there are also "folk" methods.

The easiest way to check the handbrake is to hang one of rear wheels car, put the car on the handbrake and try to manually spin the wheel. If the wheel spins, the parking brake is not working properly and the cable may need to be adjusted or replaced.

There is another way to check the car's handbrake, but it is more "cruel" in relation to the car's brake pads and other elements of the brake system. The method consists in the fact that the car is put on the handbrake, after which the first gear is turned on and the gas pedal is pressed to the floor. If the handbrake holds the car well, it will twitch slightly and immediately stall.

How to tighten the handbrake

The handbrake adjustment process usually does not differ much from car to car. Could there be one key difference- adjustment is carried out under the car or from the passenger compartment. The first option is more common, so it will be discussed in more detail.

Probably, every driver at least once forgot to remove the parking brake after he started moving. At this point, most likely, the thought arises of why this hand brake is needed, if during a stop it is more convenient to fix the car in a lower gear.

Although we all know very well that there are such cases when we start the engine, while forgetting that the car is locked in gear. It's still good if the car just jerks and stalls, but what if there is another car behind or in front? What if another car enters? You will have to repair not only the bumper, but also the gearbox.

Why you need a handbrake

But really, why do you need a handbrake. If the parking brake is included in the design of the car, then it performs certain functions.

• The parking (hand) brake keeps the car stationary on slopes and parking lots.
• In addition to this purpose, the handbrake is used to start and stop on the rise, also to enter into controlled skid, but this requires certain skills and experience.
• Handbrake braking in this case will be strong and jerk brake lever.

Car handbrake device

The device of the hand brake, as well as the principle of its operation, is simple. The handbrake has a handbrake cable - this is mechanical drive. On some vehicles, the handbrake cable acts on the rear shoes, on some models the parking brake acts on cardan shaft(transmission). It is called the central brake.

When the driver pulls the parking brake handle, the handbrake cable is pulled. The cables are evenly stretched on the brake pads of the wheels.

The handbrake sensor signals that the car is on the handbrake. This sensor is located on the instrument panel. Before starting the movement, you must not forget that the parking brake light should not light up.

Handbrake adjustment

Adjusting the hand brake begins with checking its performance. Every 30 thousand kilometers, you need to adjust and check the hand brake. Even if the handbrake works without interruption, it needs to be checked.

Checking the functionality is quite simple. The handbrake must be fully tightened, engaged in first gear, and then the clutch pedal is smoothly lowered. The car's engine will stall if there is no problem with the parking brake. If the car moves at least slowly, then the handbrake needs to be repaired or adjusted.

Usually repairing a handbrake is replacing the cable. In many cases, it is enough just to tighten the handbrake. Every driver can do this.

The handbrake should only be adjusted on a lift, overpass or viewing hole. If there are no such conditions, then the rear part of the body must be raised and put on supports.

Some car brands allow you to adjust the parking brake actuator directly in the cabin. Before you start servicing the parking brake, you need to clarify in the manual which parking brake system is in the car.

• The handbrake lever needs to be raised 1-3 clicks;
• the equalizing locknut must be loosened;
• adjusting nut must be tightened. If tension has not occurred, then the handbrake cable must be replaced;
• then the cable tension is checked, the handle is tightened by the number of clicks that is necessary for the car;
• if the cable is tight and everything is in order, then considerable efforts will be needed to turn the rear wheel on your own. The equalizer locknut must be tightened;
• the handbrake lever is lowered, and then checked rear wheels. They should rotate evenly, without jerks;
• the rear of the car is lowered to the ground, in the first gear of the handbrake, you need to check its effectiveness.

How to pull the handbrake?

The handbrake, or it would be more correct to say the hand brake, must securely block the rear wheels of the car during parking. We will talk about how you can independently adjust the handbrake using the example of a VAZ 2109 car (in other VAZ models adjustment is carried out in the same way).

How to adjust the parking brake

The principle of the handbrake

The principle of operation of the parking brake is quite simple: a special steel cable connects the car's rear brake pads to the brake handle in a special way. When the handle is raised up, the cable is pulled - as a result of this, the pads are pressed against the drums and the wheels are blocked.

When do you need to tighten the handbrake cable?

Over time, the surface of the pads wears out, they become thinner, and in order for the pads to be tightly pressed against the drums, the cable has to be tightened more and more. Then there comes a moment when, even with the handle fully raised, the handbrake still cannot keep the car on the slope. In this case, you must immediately tighten the handbrake cable.

How to pull the handbrake: instructions

A properly adjusted brake in a position tightened by 4-5 clicks should securely hold the car on a slope of 25%. If the car rolls down the hill with the brake handle raised, the cable must be tightened. However, when tightening the handbrake, one should not go to the other extreme: it is unacceptable to overtighten the cable. The stroke of the brake handle should not be less than 2 clicks of the ratchet device, otherwise the handbrake will prevent the rear wheels from rotating while the machine is moving.

1. Drive the car onto a flyover or put it in a garage in a viewing hole.
2. If your “nine” is old, released before 1995, then before you start tightening the cable, raise the handbrake handle one or two clicks.
3. Arm yourself with two open-end wrenches on "13" and pliers and climb under the car.
4. On its bottom, closer to the back of the car, find the handbrake adjustment mechanism.
5. In order to be able to change the tension of the cable, first loosen the locknut of the tensioning mechanism - in the tightened position, it securely fixes the adjusting nut and prevents it from turning.
6. To loosen the locknut, hold the adjusting nut in place with one wrench while unscrewing the locknut with the other.
7. Now, holding the stem with pliers, begin to tighten the adjusting nut. Tighten it until you get the desired cable tension.
8. When the cable is tightened, check the degree of its tension. Get out from under the car, get in the cab of the car and check that the handbrake lever travel is between two and four clicks of the ratchet. Note: for old "nines" released before 1995, the handbrake range is slightly larger - from 2 to 5 or 6 clicks.
9. If you did everything right, go under the car and tighten the locknut well.

For information on how to adjust the handbrake in cars of other brands, read our article.