Re: [T3] T3 SQUAREBACK LIFTING

[Chris Wright <chris.wright@sun.com>]

<x-flowed>In my opinion the best place for the jack to lift both back wheels (a 
medium sized trolley jack is preferable) is under the cross member 
between the chassis forks.  Then install the stands under the suspension 
arms.  With a torch you can see the adjusters through the holes in the 
backplate.  Rotate them with the tip of a screwdriver through the holes 
to extend the adjusters until the brakes are on solid and you can no 
longer rotate the wheel.  Then back them off a notch or so until the 
wheel can just be revolved without binding anywhere in the full 360 
degrees.  It doesn't matter which adjuster you do first.  Check through 
the adjuster holes and round the drum for any signs of brake fluid 
leakage too.  Everything should be dry and dusty.   Then get in the car 
and work the brake pedal hard to recentre the shoes before starting the 
handbrake cable adjustment.  ie get the main brakes working properly 
before worrying about the handbrake.   Some handbrake boots have slits 
in the sides to allow adjustment without removing the boot.  If yours 
don't, then wriggle the boot out of the carpet aperture to expose the 
adjusters.  The handbrake should be pulled up 2 clicks and at that point 
should just produce some resistance when you rotate the wheels by hand.  
This resistance must be equal between the sides.  With the handbrake 
lever pulled up another 2 clicks, the wheels should be locked.  Adjust 
the cables until this is achieved.  Watch that the plate on the lever is 
horizontal (ie the cables are balanced).   if the drag at the wheels is 
equal but the plate on the handbrake lever is cocked, it suggests a 
cable has stretched and may need to be replaced.  When it's done, take 
the car for a road test and check the skidmarks first from the foot 
brake and then on the handbrake.  If one wheel skids and the other 
doesn't, you need to check your adjustments all over again.

Hope this helps.
Chris

Arkady Mirvis wrote:

> Fellows,
>
> I would like to get a good advise on rear brakes adjustment.
> I do not have the lift and therefore need to get safely under my 72' 
> Squareback with auto transmission lifted to a comfortable height.
> The use of the factory provided lifting point lifts both wheels on one 
> side. In my opinion the adjustment will be done easier and sooner if 
> only rear wheels will be in the air. Under what element of the car 
> underside will it be safe to install the jack and the stand?
> Obviously one will be using one jack and 2 stands. What type/model of 
> jack will it be best? I promise not to forget installing chocks at 
> front wheels.
> After the rear of the car is lifted, I assume that the shifter must be 
> in NEUTRAL position.
> Looking at the manual brake rubber boot, one can see that the 
> periphery of it is covered by the carpet. I did abandon the effort of 
> pulling the boot periphery from under the carpet fearing that the boot 
> will be damaged. Do I really need to remove both front seats and the 
> carpet in order to expose the adjustment nuts?
> How one shall proceed with adjustment of brake shoes position inside 
> the drum, in what order? Brake adjustment is a critical job and I 
> would like to do it as close to perfection as possible.
> Your help will be very appreciated.
>
>
> Ark Mirvis

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