I tried adjusting my rear drum brakes (disc at front) and I set it to wheels spinning freely then turn the adjuster so it just catches like you can feel and hear it when you turn the wheel.
Handbrake up 3 clicks and I can still turn the wheel that means its no good right...
made sure the handbrake is pulling the lever all the way on both sides.

Tried adjusting it to the point where you put the handbrake on and the wheel wont turn but when handbrake is off the wheel is kind tight/hard to turn. Is this how it should feel?

Thanks in advance


started the mini yesterday after 4 months in the garage.

Sounds like you are on the right path re: pad adjustment. You need to adjust your handbrake cables. Look at the rear of your handbrake and you should see two nuts and the cables. They will need to be tightened to take the extra slack out (you still need it to let go), and make sure you adjust them evenly too. How far up does the hand brake engage now?

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so the right adjustment should be the wheels spinning with slight drag only when handbrake is off.
then I should play with the cable adjustment

Every time you make a shoe adjustment operate the brake pedal to ensure the brake shoes are centralised in the drum. Then test for drag. It can make a large difference to the adjustment. There should be a small amount of drag depending on how much ovality there is in the drums. Most cars will have some ovality unless you have new drums. It can also be difficult to get proper adjusment if the adjusting screws and collets (for want of a better word) are worn. Get this right first before playing with handbrake cables. If you've got it right you can have wheel lock on the third click with the wheels off the ground and attempt to turn by hand.
Later cars have longer handbrake levers at the drums, not sure from when. (1970+?) Great for extra leverage in motorkhanas doing hand brake turns.

RonR

Hi,

Miniron is correct, start by checking the adjuster screws and the collets (little ramp like jiggers) both are usually worn by now!

It also sounds like you are not putting enough adjustment on. Spin the wheel (wth the handbrake off) as you tighten the adjuster. As soon as you stop spinning it, it should continue spinning for about half a turn (i.e. there is a fair amount of drag!). As Miniron said give the brake pedal a stab to ensure that the shoes are centred. If you brakes have been out of adjustment for sometime, often the shoes become worn more on one side, so it may take a bit of regular adjustment to get the best performance as the shoes start to fit the drums properly.

Cheers

Also, make sure the handbrake works evenly on each side. Check resistance on each wheel by engaging handbrake notch at a time (usually locks fully at third click). As stated above, adjust cables individually to compensate for any difference in drum/shoe wear each side.

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1967 Cooper S - new front bearings to do.
1965 Cooper S shell - Slow progress. No time or money!
1966 Deluxe- next rustoration!
Mk 2 & XJ6 Jags. Less said the better.

Yes I was pushing the pedal right after I turn the adjusters to centre it

just didnt know what it should feel like when I turn the wheel (drag)
Right now I got it set to drag a bit when handbrake is off and turns once and stops

Handbrake seems good on flat not moving at all when I tried pushing it
I have to try it on an inclined road
And see if it improves the braking performance