Handbrake adjustment on Mazda 2 - MY 2009

[headache56]

The handbrake in my Mazda 2, 2009 feels a little slack.

After removing the console around the handbrake lever, I do not see any adjustment nut. Is any adjustment possible and, if so, how ?

 

[njaremka]

"FEELS" slack, or "IS" slack? when you pull it up, will the brake hold the car, or will it still roll? if it holds the car, then it wont need any adjustment.

 

[headache56]

Thank you njaremka, good point, well made.

"Feel slack" it was - the lever operation is so much lighter than on my 1999 VW Passat. Road testing today showed the brake light comes on before the first click and, on a moderate hill (1:14 or 7%), it holds the car. So its all good, especially when there is no binding and the wheels run smoothly.

If I need it in future, do you know if there is / are any manual any adjusters ? I cannot get or find the definitive answer.

Cheers.

 

[jonlep]

me too, it feels loose at the beginning when I lift the arm and I want to make it a little tighter. How to ?

 

[njaremka]

mazda2 has rear drum brakes? most drum brakes do not have an external adjustment to the parking brake - they are typically internally self-adjusting. if it holds the car, just go with it.

 

[headache56]

Problem solved, handbrake / parking brake cable adjustment successful.

From your helpful tips plus primarily Russian web sites, I see that the Mazda 2, 2007+ does indeed have rear drum brakes and there is an adjustment nut underneath the cabin handbrake lever.

The adjustment nut is obscured by the plastic shround that covers the handrake / parking brake lever (i.e. the plastic that my fingers are curled around, when my thumb depresses the button to release the lever).

So with my face 6 inches away from the underside of the brake lever I can see the adjustment nut. Then using a 10mm x 90 degree rachet spanner I was easily able to tighten the nut - then with the rear wheels jacked up and chocked I checked to ensure that the wheels spin freely with the brake lever fully off.

All is now good. Thanks.