406oc.co.uk

just about to buy a 2.1 406 when i realised there are issues with the discs come handbrake
has anyoje brought out a mod to improve the pesky handbrake as i will be caravanning i need a good handbrake
has anyone swopped discs - back to the drums is this possible
have heard of one chap on here going from drums to discs heaven knows why

it may just need to be bedded in abit so use it to stop at low speed round car parks and the like when you are in them

The Rear disk set up is drum and Disc,

stupid desighn, but with a bit of time you can get a good handbrake with them.
Check the cables, if they are ok. go for the adjusters, and give them a Tweek,

abit of a light sanding on the shoes helps too,

iirc, Jasper5 as done a guide some where,on the forum, well worth a read,

I changed my rear discs/handbrake shoes and cables 1500 miles ago and they've only just bedded in properly,i actually have a suprisingly good handbrake now although a few more clicks than i would like but i'm loathed to adjust it up just in case i lose it goes crap again.

I did the same job on my old one. They really do need some bedding in, the howto on the french forum recommends coasting at about 15 mph, pulling it on until you feel a tiny bit of drag, then drive it at that speed for say 200 yards. Release handbrake, let it cool completely and repeat if neccessary.

You can also adjust the front hanbrake cable from inside the car in a few minutes - it's just possible to squeeze a 10mm 1/4" drive deep socket down beside the handbrake lever, once you prize put the cover over the rear part of the handle. I taped the socket onto the extension bar so as not to lose it inside the console. Think I had about 5 clicks that did nothing out of about 8 altogether, settled for reducing this by 3 and making sure it wasn't binding.

Here's Jasper5's excellent 406 handbrake adjustment guide

But I do have a question: The effect of taking up slack in the cable is obvious. But what exactly is the thing in the rear wheels doing, and what effect does that have?


There are generally two problems with the handbrake: excessive travel on the lever, and having to pull it exceptionally tight for it to do very much. What can be done about the second problem?

jasper5's guide is spot on, as always.

The other adjuster....



I believe it allows you to individually adjust either side.

Lack of braking effect could be needing to bed a new set in, stiff / seized mechanism or if you're really unlucky........

viewtopic.php?f=27&t=13560&hilit=rear+discs&start=30

like to see a picture of this

Another fix perhaps. .. ..
Change the useless hold down arrangement for the shoes with a universal kit but use stainless bolts/washers and nylocs instead of the tiny pin. Youll need to open up the hole on the backplate a little first unless the rust has already beaten you to it.
Since doing this my handbrake is now perfect.

My HDi's handbrake kept going crap.

I replaced the rear discs, shoes, adhusters, cables etc etc.

In the end the only way to keep it working well was to use it to slow down reguarly.

Hmm. Might give that a try. Could it make it much worse?!