Jump to content
Do Not Sell My Personal Information


Rav4 4.1 (1998) Handbrake Adjustment


Raver too
 Share

Recommended Posts

Whilst going over the car in the fine weather we've been having, I decided to get some general maintenance done.

Checked the rear shoes, they seem to haven't worn in 8 months. In fact, they are the same thickness to the shoes I bought 8 months ago and didn't return to the shop.

Anyway, the handbrake could do with a slight adjustment, not much just me being picky.

Is this a straightforward job as on many cars?

I haven't yet taken the plastic casing apart near the handbrake, where an adjustment can often be made on many models.

Have also searched this forum and the WWW with no luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Hi Raver...

If your 4.1 is the same as my Freesport 4.1 its a peice of cake to adjust the h/brake assuming the rear brake shoes have not worn right down. With the h/brake 'off' (make sure you are not on an incline); then use an 11mm box spanner on the adjusrment nut that is hidden between the dirt/dust rubber where the h/brake lever protrudes from the center consul. Turn the adjusting nut clockwise a few clicks until the h/brake holds on one rachet click of the lever... this is mainly a 'feel' adjustment. Just make sure you don't 'over-do it' and end up with the rear brakes 'dragging/binding' when the h/brake lever is 'off'. You could jack the rear wheels up and check the wheel rotation is free if you are not experianced at this adjustment or put the Rav on a slight incline and then make sure she starts to roll with the h/brake 'off'.

Hope this helps.

DaveH

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Dave

thanks for reply. Looks like the same model. Was hoping it would be as simple to do. Just did this on a Peugeot which was straightforward (at least something is on a Peugeot!) and it is a 'feel' you go by.

Shoes don't seem to wear on the back. Will get this done easily I hope.

Whilst looking with the car jacked up though, I discovered a broken rear spring! Aarhgh!! I had no idea it was. seems to handle better if anything

Hi Raver...

If your 4.1 is the same as my Freesport 4.1 its a peice of cake to adjust the h/brake assuming the rear brake shoes have not worn right down. With the h/brake 'off' (make sure you are not on an incline); then use an 11mm box spanner on the adjusrment nut that is hidden between the dirt/dust rubber where the h/brake lever protrudes from the center consul. Turn the adjusting nut clockwise a few clicks until the h/brake holds on one rachet click of the lever... this is mainly a 'feel' adjustment. Just make sure you don't 'over-do it' and end up with the rear brakes 'dragging/binding' when the h/brake lever is 'off'. You could jack the rear wheels up and check the wheel rotation is free if you are not experianced at this adjustment or put the Rav on a slight incline and then make sure she starts to roll with the h/brake 'off'.

Hope this helps.

DaveH

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Its common for the coil springs to break - I had a broken rear spring for quite some time before an AA man spotted it. Had broken near the end (the usual I think) so no sign of droop. And as you say, road-handling unaffected.

The front springs were subject to a recall for 95-6 models I seem to remember. One of the few recalls for the 4.1

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yup... the 4.1 is very reliable. I have had mine about three years now and apart from front discs and pads, oil/filter and a couple of tyres I have had no trouble at all. Compared to previous cars I have owned I think my 1998 4.1 is crawling with electronics and sensors but compared to modern cars it is probably not... could this be why they are so reliable; less to go wrong eh!

Had not heard that about the rear springs Bothy... so will keep on eye on mine as I do often carry a bit of weight and sometimes a trailer, thanks.

DaveH

Its common for the coil springs to break - I had a broken rear spring for quite some time before an AA man spotted it. Had broken near the end (the usual I think) so no sign of droop. And as you say, road-handling unaffected.

The front springs were subject to a recall for 95-6 models I seem to remember. One of the few recalls for the 4.1

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Yep, 128,000 miles on, she's still reliable and runs lovely. Mine is often loaded up. not overloaded but, I seems to be everywhere I drive, the state of the roads are awful. potholes, roadworks and humps. it all takes it toll. At least my car has not been reffered to as a chelsea tractor. Someone did say it looked like a womans shoe though!

Wish changing a spring was as easy as adjusting the handbrake! what a simple job that was!

So, car is booked in at local garage for a new spring as I have neither the tools or the space to do this one.

Mechanically I think I should have some kind of service done soon,

As well I'd like to do an engine tune up. Apart from new leads 8,000 miles ago, and regular engine oil changes, me car has pretty much run consistently. I'm not sure what's best to do next though, maybe the usual suspects light air filter, sparkies, brake fluid.

Any suggestions?

I am going to sell her soon, and as a rare-ish softtop model, I need at minimum about 3 reapairs at the rear - one being on the soft-top itself. I would just like to know she's going to be a good runner in the near future for myself or hopefully her new owner - or maybe it's just a pipe dream as I've no idea how durable the engine usually is.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share




×
×
  • Create New...




Forums


News


Membership