BMW E39 handbrake not holding
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Why does the E39 handbrake not hold even though the shoes were replaced and it was adjusted?
Check the slack in the cables at the lever and the parts inside the drum, because worn parts weaken the grip. If the parts are old, it is worth renewing the whole handbrake assembly: shoes, cables and drums. Overly worn drums should not be left in place.
Why does the handbrake loosen after new shoes?
New shoes settle and centre in the drum with use, so the adjustment should be redone after a few uses. Use the handbrake regularly. Soft-lined aftermarket shoes do not hold properly, especially in reverse; ATE or original (Jurid, Textar) shoes hold better.
Is it normal for the rear disc to turn a few millimetres with the handbrake on?
Yes, with rear disc brakes that is normal. The parking brake shoes do not rest fully against a fixed part; rotation is prevented only by the support bar below the expander.
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