Adjust Handbrake On Yaris 1.3 Colour Collection 2004-5

[topgazza]

Read a few earlier posts and some elsewhere and some recommend wheels off and turn self adjuster, which sounds one way but I would have thought only if self adjuster was stuck ?

Whilst the majority say adjust the nut under the handbrake itself. There is a fair bit of travel before handbrake works effectively and it was mentioned at MOT and service by Indy repairer. Not sure why he didn't adjust it other than he probably wasn't sure of how to remove the console ! He is a VW indy I suppose but otherwise he is very good

I'm happy to do it as I know how to remove the console and just wanted thoughts and perhaps confirmation that this is the best way please as I don't really want to fiddle with the self adjuster on the wheels unless I have to as in a 10 year old car its more likely to be stretched cable to the drum brakes.

[alan333]

I'd make sure the shoes are adjusted properly first, then look at the cable. If it's the same as an Avensis you can do it through the hole of a removed wheel nut, no need to remove the wheel. Obviously you need that wheel off the ground tho, so you can spin the wheel while you adjust. Bear in mind a 10 year old car might not have EVER had it's handbrake adjusted and is just as likely to be your culprit as a stretched cable IMHO.

[topgazza]

I know auto adjusters on drum brakes can often not work correctly so I'll check that first. I think I have to take wheel and hub off on the Yaris though but its worth checking both sides I think. I suspect handbrake cable but its easier to check wheels first

[alan333]

Yes I'd do both sides. I meant that each wheel in turn would need to be off the ground ie you could do it with just the crappy jack that comes with the car, since it would still have the wheels fitted in the event of the car falling off the jack.

If you have wheel studs( ie not wheel nuts) then by removing one you have a small access hole into the hub. Use a small torch and you should be able to spin the wheel until your wheel nut hole lines up with the adjuster.

[topgazza]

No small hole had to take hub off but didn’t realise the star wheel was a left-handed thread. Busy turning away but no improvement until I changed direction. Adjusted both side now and a little better but i think brake pads are a tad on the thin side. Not down to rivets yet of course but I might get them replaced anyway and the garage can re adjust the brakes.

[alan333]

The handbrake shoes shouldn't wear much since they're only being used while the car is stationary, unless you're into handbrake turns of course ;) The pads, however, are part of the footbrake and will wear quicker.

[topgazza]

Indeed, most braking is done on the front. Forget the ratio but something like 70-30.

Not sure the rear pads have ever been changed since new... 10 years now. But they are thinner than I would expect for sefety so well worth changing. Rest of the car is in superb nick

[T5R92011]

I just changed the rear shoes on the girlfriend's Yaris 2005 after the friction material disintegrated on the passenger side rear.

Thicker your pads, the less movement required on the handbrake.

Also remember that if you reverse then sharply engage the handbrake, this will adjust the shoes.

[topgazza]

Indeed... I had the pads changed today after seeing how thin they were. £72 so quite happy with that. Car stops better and handbrake shorter pull.