8.7. Adjusting the Handbrake

brake fluid. Make sure that the bleeder hose remains at all times below the level of the brake fluid.

• Ask the helper to operate the brake pedal with slow strokes and to signal you when the pedal is contacting the floor. Open the bleeder screw by half a turn. Fluid will run through the hose into the jar. Close the bleed screw.
• Repeat the "pumping" operation and opening and closing of the bleeder screw until brake fluid, free of air bubbles, is entering the glass jar. Remember to replenish the reservoir in between.
• Repeat the bleeding operation in the given order on the other brake units. Fig. 8.20 shows where the bleeder screws of the front calipers are located. Finally top-up the reservoir to the required level. Brake fluid drained out the system into the glass jar must, however, nor be used to fill the reservoir.

Final Note: The brake fluid should be changed every two years. Experience has shown that this necessity is normally overlooked. For your own safety we strongly recommend it. Brake fluid subject to heat and will deteriorate in service.

8.7. Adjusting the Handbrake

The rear wheels must be locked when the handbrake lever has been pulled by 4 to 5 notches. Place the rear of the vehicle on chassis stands to adjust. First rotate the rear wheels to check whether the wheels can move freely. If an adjustment is necessary proceed as follows:

• Pull the handbrake to the third notch.
• Jack up the rear end of the vehicle.
• Tighten the nut in the centre of the handbrake cable equaliser (Fig. 8.20) until the rear wheels can just be rotated under a fair effort. Re-tighten the locknut.
• Pull the handbrake lever one or two notches more and check that the rear wheels can no longer be rotated.