Hand Brake Adjustment

Rand Soper

Newbie
Joined
May 29, 2018
Points
2
Location
Milwaukie Oregon
Model of Z
3.0Si
I have a question or two about the parking brake adjustment. I have read the instructions but one or two things aren't clear to me. When you press in the spring/retainer and clip the hooked bit on the end of the cable over the ridge on the retainer, should the hand brake lever be lowered or raised?

Also, when everything is adjusted correctly there should be quite a bit of tension on the handbrake lever when pulling it up, correct?

I just bought my first 4 wheel BMW, a 2008 3.0Si (I have had a few 2/3 wheel BMW's in my life, my favorite was a '66 R60 w/sidecar. Should never have sold that one) and there are only two things wrong with it, the parking brake needs adjustment and the passenger door power door lock locks but doesn't unlock. It tries but no love. I have a new door lock solenoid and will get that replaced ASAP.

Thanks so much in advance for any assistance!
 

Cooper

Zorg Guru (IV)
Supporter
Australian Zeds
Joined
Apr 17, 2014
Points
157
Location
Hobart Tasmania Australia
Model of Z
3.0i 2001
Right e o.

  • Remove the little nuts on the handbrake cables under the leather cover and put the brake down. No tension.
  • Back wheels should be off with the wheel hubs able to spin freely.
  • Stick a flat head screw driver in the disc hole and adjust the spring thingy until you cannot spin the hubs. Back off the adjustment in there by 10 little 'clicks' the wheel hubs should spin fine without grabbing. This is annoying and time consuming.
  • adjust the handbrake inside the cabin so it is nice and tight on the 3rd click as you pull the lever up. Tighten those little nuts.
Done :)
 

t-tony

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
#ZedShed
Joined
Dec 31, 2013
Points
226
Location
Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
Model of Z
E89 Z4 23i Auto
I don't know that the Z3 adjusters at the lever is the same as a Z4 or not. Not had to look at mine up to now. The adjusters in the rear hub for the parking brake shoes is definitely the same though. I have a short video filmed through a wheel bolt hole somewhere, I'll see if I can find it.

Tony.
 

Sean d

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Sep 29, 2015
Points
201
Location
Lincolnshire
Model of Z
Z3 2.8
The adjuster is at the top, line a wheel bolt hole up at the very top, shine a light in and you will see the brass teeth at the back
 

Sean d

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Sep 29, 2015
Points
201
Location
Lincolnshire
Model of Z
Z3 2.8
The adjuster is at the top, line a wheel bolt hole up at the very top, shine a light in and you will see the brass teeth at the back
Whoops forget the above as that is for a Z3
 

t-tony

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
#ZedShed
Joined
Dec 31, 2013
Points
226
Location
Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
Model of Z
E89 Z4 23i Auto
Cheers for that Brian.:thumbsup:

Tony.
 

t-tony

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
#ZedShed
Joined
Dec 31, 2013
Points
226
Location
Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
Model of Z
E89 Z4 23i Auto
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