Doing the E-brake

[lolcantturn]

How difficult would this be? My emergency brake has no effect at all, even with the cable tightened all the way. The pads are definitely non-existent. How difficult would this be and how long should I expect it to take? Thanks

[jlevie]

Twiddling the cable adjusters is the last part of adjusting the parking brake (see below). If the shoes are worn out, figure on at least two hours to replace the shoes and adjusting the parking brake.

To adjust the parking brake:

1) Lower the hand brake and loosen the cable adjusters.

2) Working through a lug bolt hole turn the star adjuster until the wheel
locks using a flat-bladded screwdriver. I just turn the adjuster until it
doesn't want to turn any more. Then back off the adjuster 12 clicks. Repeat
for the other wheel. Note that the star adjuster is at the 6 o'clock position
on later cars, but at the 10-11 o'clock position on an E30.

3) Raise and lower the hand brake several times to settle the cables. Then
raise the lever two clicks and tighten the adjusters until the wheel can just
be turned with moderate force.

[AndrewBird]

Before you bother adjusting it, pull the rear rotors off and check the pads. It's possible they are glazed from driving with the e-brake up. Some sand paper will remove the glazing. Obviously, if the pads are really thin, replace them.

Then just follow jlevie's instructions for adjustment.

[lolcantturn]

Twiddling the cable adjusters is the last part of adjusting the parking brake (see below). If the shoes are worn out, figure on at least two hours to replace the shoes and adjusting the parking brake.

To adjust the parking brake:

1) Lower the hand brake and loosen the cable adjusters.

2) Working through a lug bolt hole turn the star adjuster until the wheel
locks using a flat-bladded screwdriver. I just turn the adjuster until it
doesn't want to turn any more. Then back off the adjuster 12 clicks. Repeat
for the other wheel. Note that the star adjuster is at the 6 o'clock position
on later cars, but at the 10-11 o'clock position on an E30.

3) Raise and lower the hand brake several times to settle the cables. Then
raise the lever two clicks and tighten the adjusters until the wheel can just
be turned with moderate force.

Before you bother adjusting it, pull the rear rotors off and check the pads. It's possible they are glazed from driving with the e-brake up. Some sand paper will remove the glazing. Obviously, if the pads are really thin, replace them.

Then just follow jlevie's instructions for adjustment.

Much appreciated guys thanks! Definately a "wake up early sunday morning" kinda job.

[OttoBob]

I read somewhere that adjusting the parking brake on the 325iX is different. My 325iX parking brake needs to be adjusted. Any input would be appreciated.

[DaButt]

OP, thanks for asking this- I've been meaning to do it.

My Ebrake works but I have to pull it up like 10-12 detents. I think Bentley says do it at 5, but I would trust Jim's advice.

Does seem pretty easy, I need to get crackin.

[Driftin]

I read somewhere that adjusting the parking brake on the 325iX is different. My 325iX parking brake needs to be adjusted. Any input would be appreciated.

On my 88ix, it was the same procedure. Adjusting wheels are at 10 or 11. If you have not done this before, pull the disk off so you can see what you are dealing with. Also my pads were glazed and needed to be sanded.