Handbrake question and spacer question Options

[Random_Stranger]

Ok, I changed out my rotors and on one side in the rear, (i have discs all around) I have noticed when I put my hand brake up, I heard something that sounded like a spring popping something off. Since then, I literally have to pull my handbrake all the way up just to keep my car in place. So my question is, for anyone who has changed out rotors before... Where the heck do I assemble those two springs? I am going to describe it as best as I can.

On the last rear rotor I did, I noticed a spot for the little retainer part to sit upon, and then you have the pin that goes from behind that hub that faces you, and it appears the spring goes on the outside (the part facing you) over the pin, and there is a button that you position to hold the spring in place that is secured by turned to lock onto the pin. The first one that I did (which I am guessing is my problem), I sort of just placed those behind the hub, yet assembled. So I was just wondering if all were to be assembled outside the hub or behind it near where the pins come out? Since this is my only car and daily driver at the moment, I have not time to let it sit and examine all this, which is why I am asking. It is really bothering me because when I drive, sometimes it seems I hear something rubbing making a scraping sound on that side.

Another thing I have noticed, was that since my offset is +48 on my wheels and having gone from 215/40/17 to 225/45/17s, would spacers be a good option (meaning trustworthy, because honestly the thought of using spacers kind of scares me or any type of "Adapters" for that matter on anything) for me at this point, avoiding getting new rims with a better offset for the moment? I noticed when I make a real sharp turn, I can hear them rub. I look under and can see some tire markings on my rear struts, although there is good clearance for just driving straight (Maybe it has to do with the springs and needing tighter suspension like coilovers maybe?).

Anyways, if you read this far, I thank you and if you have experience on this to shed some light, I am really eager to hear how I can correct my issue.

[Random_Stranger]

That sounds good, thanks. That is what I had figured. I see what you mean there Samir. I guess the last one I did, I did right, the first one I need to go back and do. The wheels should never be hung up a bit either, right? According to the Haynes manual, you should turn the spring down until it doesn't go any more, and then a few clicks up (roughly 8) and then that is done for the shoe part. But when I did that on the one I did correctly, the wheel did get hung up a bit when I would spin the wheel, so I adjusted up a bit and then it was fine. I think on the first one, it did kind of hang up just a tad, but not bad enough for me to grow any concern. I am so new to all this, so forgive me if my questions or what I did sounds a bit... n00bish, and I am really glad you all know what I am talking about, I thought this was going to become a hairy topic.


So the rubbing sound I hear might not be my tires then? Probably just this issue? Because driving in a place where I mostly make right hand turns, that just happens to be the side I hear it on as well. But even when I turn left, I hear it on that side too. Like when I drive into a gas station, when I go from street to cement, I hear a nasty rubbing sound. Anyone deal with spacers here too?

This post has been edited by Random_Stranger: Nov 3, 2009 - 11:52 PM

[samir0189]

That sounds good, thanks. That is what I had figured. I see what you mean there Samir. I guess the last one I did, I did right, the first one I need to go back and do. The wheels should never be hung up a bit either, right? According to the Haynes manual, you should turn the spring down until it doesn't go any more, and then a few clicks up (roughly 8) and then that is done for the shoe part. But when I did that on the one I did correctly, the wheel did get hung up a bit when I would spin the wheel, so I adjusted up a bit and then it was fine. I think on the first one, it did kind of hang up just a tad, but not bad enough for me to grow any concern. I am so new to all this, so forgive me if my questions or what I did sounds a bit... n00bish, and I am really glad you all know what I am talking about, I thought this was going to become a hairy topic.


So the rubbing sound I hear might not be my tires then? Probably just this issue? Because driving in a place where I mostly make right hand turns, that just happens to be the side I hear it on as well. But even when I turn left, I hear it on that side too. Like when I drive into a gas station, when I go from street to cement, I hear a nasty rubbing sound. Anyone deal with spacers here too?

The wheels should never be hung up, no. the way that i adjust it- turn the screw until the wheel is stuck, then undo it notch by notch until the wheel JUST begins to move freely. This IMO is the ideal way to adjust the drum cause the distance for the shoe to travel to the drum is at a minimum, so that as soon as you begin to pull up that handbrake, the shoes are already grabbing. I hope that makes sense. That is the way that i have my adjusted anyway, i need/like the quick response.

As for the rubbing, make sure all of the rotor backing plate things aren't rubbing on the rotor in the front or back.. besides that im not sure...
and ive got no spacers...