Does your handbrake lever feel 'loose' and can you pull it all the way to the top without much effort?

The handbrake is basically self-adjusting for pad wear, but if the cables stretch over time then you can adjust them.

I assume you have rear disc brakes? (drums work differently)

First of course make sure that the handbrake cables are actually running smoothly. A common problem is that one of the cables to the caliphers starts to bind (rust, dirt) and causes the 'T' piece near the handbrake lever under the cable to rotate instead of pulling on both cables.

If the cables are moving OK on *both* sides then get a 7mm allen key (uncommon size) and remove the small plug/allen bolt from the back of the rear calipher. This will expose a second allen bolt, which is an adjustment valve.

You normally use this to allow the piston to be pushed back when changing pads, but it also has an effect on the handbrake.

Turn the discbrake by hand and adjust this screw until you can't move it anymore. Then back off about 1/4 turn on the screw so the disc will run freely again (with minor rubbing from the pads).

Do the same at the other calipher.

Now re-try the handbrake and see of it works better.

If you can still pull up the handle too far then you can now adjust the nut that keeps the 'T' piece under the car (above the exhaust pipe, middle of car) on the cable end. Screw it in further, so you increase the preload/tension on the cable in it's 'released' state.

Re-check that you do not put too much load on the cable and the rear brakes do not apply by themselves.

If you're happy with the setting, put back the plugs in the rear caliphers and make sure the nut on the 'T' is locked in place.

Job done!

Bye, Arno.