How to adjust parking brake honda element?
The parking brake on a Honda Element is adjusted by tightening the rear drum brake shoes through the star wheel inside the drum, and, if needed, by taking up slack in the parking brake cable. This ensures the brake holds the vehicle when engaged and releases cleanly when released.
In practice, the Element’s rear brakes use drum-type shoes connected to a cable-operated parking brake. Adjustment typically starts at the wheel end by turning the star wheel to set the shoe clearance; if the lever travel is excessive or the brake doesn’t hold, you may also need to adjust the cable at its access point. This article provides a step-by-step method, safety tips, and troubleshooting to help you perform the adjustment correctly.
What you’ll need
Before starting, gather the basic tools and safety supplies needed to access and adjust the rear drums and, if necessary, the parking brake cable.
- Jack and jack stands, plus wheel chocks
- Socket set (common sizes for Honda Element), screwdrivers, and pliers
- Brake spoon or suitable thin flat-blade screwdriver for the star wheel
- Lint-free rags and brake cleaner
- Gloves and eye protection
- Optional: new rear brake shoes if the current shoes are worn (consult wear indicators before replacing)
Having these items on hand makes the process smoother and safer, reducing the risk of contaminating the braking surfaces and ensuring you can complete the adjustment properly.
Adjusting the rear drum brakes (shoe star wheel adjustment)
The following steps address the most common adjustment method for the Honda Element’s rear drum parking brakes. The goal is to set the shoe clearance so the drums have just a light drag and the parking brake holds the vehicle when engaged.
- Park on a level surface and chock the wheels. Loosen the lug nuts slightly, then lift the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Remove the rear wheels.
- Remove the rear drum(s). If the drum is stubborn, gently tap around the edge with a rubber mallet to break any rust seal. If the drum won’t come off, check for a retaining screw or consult your manual for the specific year model.
- Look for the star wheel on the backing plate behind the emergency brake shoe. You may need to reach through an access hole or remove a service plug to access it. Use a brake spoon or a small flat-blade screwdriver to turn the star wheel.
- Turn the star wheel to adjust the shoe tension. To tighten the shoes (reduce free play), rotate the wheel clockwise; to loosen, rotate counterclockwise. Make small adjustments and test the drum fit after each turn by rotating the drum with your hand (be careful of moving parts).
- Reinstall the drum and wheel. Lower the vehicle and snug the lug nuts. Spin the wheel by hand to ensure it rotates freely with only light resistance from the drum.
If the drum drags heavily or won’t turn, back the star wheel off a notch and recheck. If you hear grinding or feel a harsh drag, stop and inspect the shoes and hardware for wear or contamination. - Repeat the process on the opposite rear drum if both sides share the same parking brake mechanism. Reinstall both wheels and lower the vehicle.
- Test the parking brake: with the engine off and vehicle on a gentle incline, engage the parking brake fully. The car should hold; release and verify the wheels turn freely when the lever is not engaged. If it doesn’t hold, consider another round of adjustment or inspect for worn shoes, stretched cables, or seized hardware.
Concluding: Proper star wheel adjustment ensures the rear shoes are positioned correctly inside the drums, providing solid holding power without dragging constantly. If you still notice excessive lever travel or poor holding after this adjustment, inspect the parking brake cables, equalizers, and shoe condition for wear or stretching.
Optional: Adjusting the parking brake cable (if necessary)
If lever travel remains excessive after adjusting the shoes, you may need to adjust the parking brake cable itself. This step is model/year dependent, so consult your Honda Element service manual for exact locations and procedures. The basic idea is to take up slack in the cable at its anchor point or equalizer so the shoes engage sooner without binding.
- Safely access the cable adjuster. This is often located near the rear seats or under the center console area, connected to the parking brake cable that runs to the rear drums.
- Loosen the locknut or locking mechanism and slowly turn the adjuster to take up slack. Make very small adjustments and verify by re-reading the lever travel and parking brake performance.
- Reassemble, test, and recheck. If the lever still travels too far before engaging, or if the brake doesn’t hold, you may have worn shoes, stretched cables, or seized components that require replacement.
Concluding: Cable adjustment can improve lever feel and hold, but it is often a secondary step after shoe adjustments. If uncertain, or if the cable shows signs of fraying or corrosion, replace the cable assembly to restore proper function.
Testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance tips
After performing adjustments, it’s important to verify proper operation and address common issues that can affect parking brake effectiveness.
- Test on an incline to confirm the vehicle stays put without slipping. If it rolls, reassess shoe clearance and cable tension.
- Inspect rear brake shoes for wear indicators or contamination (oil or brake fluid). Contaminated shoes should be replaced and the cause of contamination corrected.
- Check for seized or stuck adjusters, corroded cables, or worn backing plates, and replace as needed to restore smooth operation.
Regular inspection of the rear drum brakes during routine maintenance helps prevent parking brake failure. If you’re unsure about any step, consult a professional mechanic or reference the official Honda service manual for your Element’s year and trim.
Summary
Adjusting the Honda Element parking brake primarily involves setting the rear drum brake shoes via the star wheel inside the drum and, if necessary, tightening the parking brake cable to remove excess slack. Start with the wheel-end shoe adjustment, ensuring the drum has only light drag when installed. If lever travel remains high or the brake doesn’t hold, inspect and adjust or replace the parking brake cable and related hardware. Always perform adjustments with the vehicle securely supported, wheels chocked, and after reassembly, test the system on a safe incline to confirm proper function.
How do you adjust the parking brake?
To adjust the parking brake, first, use the cable adjuster under the center console or near the rear brakes to loosen the lock nut and then tighten the adjuster nut to reduce slack, as shown in this YouTube video and this Facebook post. If the brake still doesn't work, you will need to remove the rear wheels and rotors to access and adjust the star wheel on the internal brake shoes, rotating it clockwise to tighten the shoes, notes this YouTube video and this Reddit post. Always test the brake on a safe, flat surface after any adjustment.
Method 1: Adjusting the cable
This video demonstrates how to adjust the parking brake cable: 1mTutorialGenius.comYouTube · Apr 22, 2022
- Engage the brake: Pull the parking brake lever or press the pedal to a point where there is noticeable slack.
- Loosen the lock nut: Locate the adjuster where the cable enters the parking brake lever or near the rear wheels. Use a wrench to loosen the top lock nut.
- Adjust the cable: Turn the bottom adjuster nut. Turning it clockwise will tighten the cable and reduce lever travel; counter-clockwise will loosen it.
- Check the slack: After each small turn, check the lever to see if the slack has been reduced. The goal is a firm engagement in about 3-7 clicks, and the brake light should not come on when the lever is fully down.
- Tighten the lock nut: Once the adjustment is correct, tighten the lock nut to secure the adjuster and prevent it from slipping.
- Test the brake: On a safe, flat surface, engage the brake to ensure it holds the vehicle securely. Check that the lever/pedal returns smoothly and that the brake doesn't drag when released.
Method 2: Adjusting the internal brake shoes
This video shows how to adjust the internal brake shoes: 42sRealQuickChrisYouTube · Apr 21, 2016
- Ensure the parking brake is fully released.
- Remove the rear wheels and rotors: This will expose the parking brake components (usually drum-in-hat style on disc brakes).
- Locate the star wheel: This is a small, toothed wheel located at the bottom of the brake shoes. Some vehicles have a rubber cap on the brake rotor that you can remove to access the star wheel.
- Adjust the star wheel: Use a flathead screwdriver to rotate the star wheel clockwise, which will expand the brake shoes and push them closer to the rotor.
- Check for drag: Rotate the rotor as you adjust. It should spin freely for a bit and then start to have some resistance. Keep adjusting until you can't rotate it with your hand when the brake is lightly engaged (about three clicks on the lever).
- Back off the adjustment: Once the shoes are making contact, turn the star wheel counter-clockwise a few notches until the rotor spins freely again, as notes this YouTube video and Brake & Front End.
- Reinstall the rotor and wheel: Make sure the rotor fits properly and the parking brake holds the car securely when tested. Readjust if necessary.
Important considerations
- Always check your vehicle's manual for specific instructions.
- If the cable has been maxed out, it may need replacement.
- Worn
Does the parking brake self-adjust?
Yes, many modern parking brakes, especially those with drum-in-hat systems, are designed to be self-adjusting, but they often don't work as intended. Some systems adjust at the wheels, while others adjust the cables at the pedal. Other vehicles have parking brakes that do not self-adjust and must be manually adjusted.
How self-adjusting systems work
- Drum brakes: In theory, the parking brake and sometimes regular braking in reverse will engage a star wheel or gear that automatically tightens the brake shoes to maintain consistent contact with the drum.
- Cable-based systems: Some systems use an adjuster near the pedal to manage cable length, ensuring consistent pedal travel throughout the life of the brake shoes.
- Integrated caliper systems: Some rear disc brake calipers have a self-adjusting mechanism that moves the caliper piston to compensate for wear, similar to the brake pad adjustment.
Common problems with self-adjusters
- Infrequent use: If the parking brake is not used regularly, the self-adjusting mechanism can become frozen or stuck in place.
- Improper adjustment: In many cases, the self-adjustment doesn't compensate for wear properly, and the brake becomes loose over time.
- Component wear: The cables themselves can stretch over time, or the drums can become worn, requiring manual adjustment or replacement.
When manual adjustment is needed
- If you've done work on the parking brake at the wheels (e.g., replaced the shoes or pads), you will need to manually adjust the system.
- If the self-adjusting system isn't working, or if it has reached its limit, you may need to manually adjust it to restore proper function.
How to manually adjust
- For drum brakes: You may need to remove the rear wheels and rotor to access and turn the star wheel with a special tool to tighten the shoes.
- For caliper brakes: The caliper piston may need to be turned with a special tool to the correct position before you can properly adjust the cable tension.
How to tell if a handbrake needs adjusting?
How do you know when the handbrake cable needs adjusting?
- When the vehicle still moves despite having engaged the handbrake.
- If you have a manually applied handbrake and the lever starts to come up too high - anything over 5 notches on the ratchet is too high!.
How to properly set your parking brake?
To set the parking brake, press the brake pedal with your foot, then engage the parking brake by pulling the lever, pressing the pedal, or pushing the button. Next, shift the car into "Park" for an automatic or into gear for a manual transmission, and then release the brake pedal.
Steps for setting the parking brake
- Press the brake pedal: Come to a complete stop and press your foot down firmly on the regular brake pedal.
- Engage the parking brake:
- For a hand lever: Pull the lever up until it locks into place. Some may require you to press a button on the lever while pulling.
- For a foot pedal: Press the pedal down until it is fully engaged.
- For a button: Press the button, which is often labeled "P".
- Shift the gear: Shift your vehicle into "Park" if you have an automatic transmission or into first gear if you have a manual transmission.
- Release the brake pedal: Slowly lift your foot off the brake pedal. The vehicle should not move.
This video demonstrates how to properly set the parking brake: 36sOctane StreetYouTube · May 3, 2024
Important considerations
- On hills: Engage the parking brake before shifting into park, especially on a hill. This puts the weight of the vehicle on the parking brake, not the transmission. Some people prefer to shift to neutral, engage the parking brake, then release the foot brake to ensure it holds the vehicle before shifting to park.
- For releasing: To disengage, perform the steps in reverse. With your foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake, shift into drive or reverse, then release the foot brake.
- Electronic parking brakes: Many modern cars have electronic parking brakes. They function similarly, but you may find the button on the dashboard instead of a traditional lever or pedal.
- Consult your owner's manual: Always check your vehicle's owner's manual for specific instructions, as procedures can vary between models.
