Technical Rear brakes

[stocky]

I've a slight imbalance in my rear brakes, 126 brakes and drums. I know front brakes are self adjusting but is there any adjustment on the rear?
Thanks

 

[the hobbler]

The rear brakes are 'self-adjusting', exactly the same as the front. However, the hand-brake mechanism can 'hang-up'on one side which can have the effect of un-balancing them. Remove rear wheels and drums and check that the linkage is free on both sides. I have also run into the scenario where the split- pin in the cotter-pin that connects the cable to 'in-brake' linkage has broken and the cable then come adrift from the linkage. On the 500, the hand-brake cable is a continuous one that runs from one side, round a roller at the base of the hand-brake and then to the brake on the other side---check that nothing is seized/sticking. I would also check that neither of the rear slave cylinders is leaking---if one is,it will put brake-fluid onto the shoe, which will reduce its efficiency--result, brake pull. A quick visual check of the fluid level in the brake-fluid reservoir would be a wise first move---if the level is down,this could indicate a leaking wheel cylinder. If you DO have to change brake-shoes, get good quality ones--some of the cheaper shoes have thinner linings on them which makes it difficult to get a decent pedal. I am not at home at the moment, so if you DO need new brake shoes,let me know and I will tell you the make that I fitted, and have had no problem with.

 

[stocky]

Thanks
Yes the guy who did the mot said the handbrake that side was also weaker, does that make sense?

 

[stocky]

It's rear offside