Handbrake Pins

[First_damned]

Are the handbrake shoe retaining pins viewable without taking the drum off?

Think mine has come off and is causing a rattle I have, but would like to know if I can check first before dismantling.

[Jakg]

Yes, they come through the backplate. But you'll need the wheel off and the car up in the air to see. Taking the disc off is then about 10 mins work at this point - so I'd do that anyway...

[David Lawrence]

Originally Posted by First_damned

Are the handbrake shoe retaining pins viewable without taking the drum off?

Think mine has come off and is causing a rattle I have, but would like to know if I can check first before dismantling.

You can see one of them fairly easily from the back side of the backplate by crawling underneath. You will probably find a hole there instead of the end of the pin.

[First_damned]

Thank you.

What size bolt would I need to fix it?

[David Lawrence]

Originally Posted by First_damned

Thank you.

What size bolt would I need to fix it?

I now have new plates on both of mine, but did use bolts for a while, think they were M6. As for the length i used some threaded rod and cut it down to length in situ so didnt measure it. I found this easier to manipulate because one of the holes is a bit tricky to get to the back of because of the caliper brackets.

I used a longer rod than needed, as this allowed me to use the top nut to wind down the shoes under the spring tension, then used a junior hacksaw to cut it off flush with the top of the nut.

[First_damned]

I've just looked under my car, and I can see the brake shoe pins are in fact poking through the holes in the backplate.

I'm really truly stumped now then, as when I slightly light up my handbrake lever it stops the rattle which is audible from outside the car when going over bumps.

[David Lawrence]

Originally Posted by First_damned

I've just looked under my car, and I can see the brake shoe pins are in fact poking through the holes in the backplate.

I'm really truly stumped now then, as when I slightly light up my handbrake lever it stops the rattle which is audible from outside the car when going over bumps.

When did you last adjust the handbrake? Could just be that you have too much play in the system and needs a proper adjustment at the drums.

[First_damned]

Originally Posted by David Lawrence

When did you last adjust the handbrake? Could just be that you have too much play in the system and needs a proper adjustment at the drums.

I adjusted them the weekend just gone. But I've had this rattling noise for about a year now I reckon.

[David Lawrence]

Originally Posted by First_damned

I adjusted them the weekend just gone. But I've had this rattling noise for about a year now I reckon.

Any chance of uploading a recording of the rattle? It may help with a diagnosis? I know it must be hard to do, but thought id ask.

[clf]

Is it possible one of the springs has worked loose or come off? This is what drew my attention to my pins pulling through. Although in my case it also made a grinding noise as well as a rattle, as it rolled around the drum.

Thinking about this, if there is only a rattle, and no grinding, have you inspected the caliper/pad holding springs. Try tapping the caliper with a rubber mallet.