Handbrake Cable Tensioning Tool idea.

[S60D5-185]

I adjusted the centre console handbrake cable on my 07 XC90 this morning and once I got my head around the way that the collar and rod operates it was straightforward. However I had the same difficulty as others have experienced , ie what best to use to finally force the two sections apart so after giving it some thought I have bought one of these with a view to cutting a narrow/shallow slot in the end of each back plate exactly the same size as the handbrake rod.


Looking at it I'm certain that it will work well but once it turns up and I have modified it and then tried it I will give an update as to how well it works.


This should easily exert far more pressure than pliers and in a controlled manner. I know that there is enough space to operate it in even with the seat in situ. At the price it has to be worth a try.


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DISC-BRAKE-SPREADER-PISTON-PAD-
SPREADER-SEPARATOR-CAR-CALIPER-HAND-TOOL-UK/292351645042?hash=item4411841572:g:2RcAAOSwJ4hY-bYq


The car already has new rear discs/pads/ and VOLVO shoes coupled with shoe adjuster modification so I'm hoping to be able to get a half decent parking brake sorted.

[4x4]

I used a concoction of 10mm and 11mm open ended spanners to extend the adjuster, slip two spanners over the thin slider section and spread the spanners apart, slip a third spanner in and spread and finally slip a fourth spanner in and again spread apart.

I fitted new genuine Volvo rear discs, pads and shoes along with the shoe adjuster modification to mine, then adjusted only the cable (leave the adjusters for now) and let the shoes bed in for a couple of weeks (parking brake very poor at this point) then loosen cable and tighten up shoe adjusters and re-adjust the cable and the parking brake can easily hold on a 15° incline.

Easiest way to adjust the cable is to unbolt the passenger front seat (UK models) and lift it back a few inches to allow access to the cable taking care not to disturb the wire connections under the seat

[S60D5-185]

That's pretty much how I tensioned it myself but am hoping that this modified little tool will make it simpler.

[BestGear]

Hi

I just modified a pair of circlup pliers yonks ago, and was in a thread but good old photobucket saw the end of the images.

Thread is HERE

Image of tool https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...Cd5WKIR8DjLlQ7


Hope that is of interest

[trumpetdropper]

I'm looking forward to see the results of your tinkering S60D5-185

[nu11eaf]

Originally Posted by S60D5-185

I adjusted the centre console handbrake cable on my 07 XC90 this morning and once I got my head around the way that the collar and rod operates it was straightforward. However I had the same difficulty as others have experienced , ie what best to use to finally force the two sections apart so after giving it some thought I have bought one of these with a view to cutting a narrow/shallow slot in the end of each back plate exactly the same size as the handbrake rod.


Looking at it I'm certain that it will work well but once it turns up and I have modified it and then tried it I will give an update as to how well it works.


This should easily exert far more pressure than pliers and in a controlled manner. I know that there is enough space to operate it in even with the seat in situ. At the price it has to be worth a try.


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DISC-BRAKE-SPREADER-PISTON-PAD-
SPREADER-SEPARATOR-CAR-CALIPER-HAND-TOOL-UK/292351645042?hash=item4411841572:g:2RcAAOSwJ4hY-bYq


The car already has new rear discs/pads/ and VOLVO shoes coupled with shoe adjuster modification so I'm hoping to be able to get a half decent parking brake sorted.

These might do the job too.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Auto-Car-...cAAOSw1NJbMNFT

[S60D5-185]

Originally Posted by trumpetdropper

I'm looking forward to see the results of your tinkering S60D5-185

Thanks.

This little tool turned up today and for the price ( under £7 delivered ) I am certain that it will work.

I need to measure the diameter of the sliding rod on the handbrake adjuster and then accurately cut a slot the same size in the end of both plates.


In addition I will remove the T Bar and just use the nut on the end to expand the blades. I'll probably get it modified over the weekend and will post photos of the finished article and advise if it works satisfactorily.


Here are some for starters to show the principle envisaged.

PS The cable outer sheath was savaged by a previous owner not me.

[S60D5-185]

I modified this little tool this morning and can confirm that it works like a charm even with seat in situ just pushed fully back.

15 minutes with a drill and an angle grinder had this sorted. It exerts a steady controlled pressure on both sides of the adjuster and makes the task very simple all for under £7.

In addition it retains it's original function of being able to force the pistons back on a traditional caliper. Win Win,

[green van man]

Be warned those spreaders will bend, when pushing pistons back, ask me how I know

Paul.

[S60D5-185]

Thanks Paul, and noted !

I have a heavy duty Piston wind back tool that I normally use ( or a large G clamp ) but this tool will be fine for the job that I modified it to do.

It should also be good on my motorbike calipers.