Are the handbrake shoe adjusters really worth?

[oragex]

I was going to install these adjusters, when I realized not only the retaining spring seats over the small adjusting wheel, but more important in order to be able to slide the brake drum/disc back in place over the shoes, the adjuster has to be fully 'closed': basically it has the same length as the original bar that it's replacing. So basically, it's the same thing as with the bar, since I cannot adjust its length.

So what is the deal with these adjusters? My brake shoes are half worn, so not new. The cable is fully released at the handle inside the cabin.
(not my actual picture but it looks the same)

[cheshired5]

I have a perfect handbrake and don't use adjusters.
It worked out of the factory without them so will continue to work without them.
A working handbrake is all about parts quality not sticking plasters/band aids which require wheel removal for adjustment.

[b1mcp]

The adjuster is adjusted after the disc/drum is fitted. Access the adjuster cog through one of the wheel bolt holes with a screwdriver.

The spring sitting against the cog serves to keep the cog in the adjusted position.

[Longhouse21]

As Chesh says "...it's all about parts quality...".

I did fit the adjusters when I overhauled the handbrake on my V70 along with new discs, shoes, springs and expanders (along with new wheel to centre console cables as one was showing signs of sticking slightly).

I examined the H section that the adjuster replaces and found evidence of wear at the bottom of the seats. I reasoned that as Volvo had fitted them to both earlier & later models there there may be something to gain. If nothing else, it will allow compensation for the wear I found in the H section seats.

I now find that the handbrake works significantly better than when I first bought it (@42K and 4 years old from a main dealer with full dealer history) and has a better range of adjustment.

The description of adjustment and operation by b1mcp is spot-on. The cog is just turned in either direction by the tip of the screwdriver through one of the wheel lug nut holes.

[ShadeTek]

No. Don't bother. If your handbrake doesn't hold you have another issue. Cables siezed, cable needing adjusted or shoes worn. Not many people read the instructions on exactly how to adjust the adjuster at the hadnsrake. Also, don't have the car jacked up when you adjust the handrake adjuster as the angle of the cable changes going into the wheels, changing its length.

[oragex]

Interesting point about the cable length change. I've finally installed the adjuster at just one wheel, to see the difference. I've hardly noticed any power increase in braking the car (this handbrake system isn't a performer to start with anyway, it hardly stops the car at slow speeds; in comparison I remember on a Passat the front brake flexible blew and I managed to drive home only on the handbrake)

What I noticed is the small 'delay' until the handbrake would engage is gone. In other words, because the adjuster will distance the two shoes even further, they get closer to the small block so the shoes engage almost instantly now.

Now sure if it's worth though.

[ShadeTek]

Originally Posted by oragex

it hardly stops the car at slow speeds;

It's not designed to stop the car while moving. It is for parking only and mine works fine on steep hills since I gave it the cabling a good lube and replaced the shoes.

[Simmy]

Originally Posted by cheshired5

I have a perfect handbrake and don't use adjusters.
It worked out of the factory without them so will continue to work without them.
A working handbrake is all about parts quality not sticking plasters/band aids which require wheel removal for adjustment.

its not a band aid earlier Volvos had this exact adjuster they just omitted it on the ph2 it also aids brake drum removal when fully adjusted down they are smaller than an h bar allowing the brake shoes clear any wear lip on the drum

[T5R92011]

I don't mind a little roll when parking. Makes the day more interesting.

[T-5ones]

FWIW, I used to tow with a previous P2. When backing up to the hitch the 'roll back' after applying the handbrake on a gradient was infuriating. The P2 handbrake design is quite simply poor! The adjusters helped enormously minimising the rollback.