Rally Guy

Which frickin' way do you turn the "Star" wheel to TIGHTEN the e-brake? (1990 S2).

I can (barely) see the little star wheel - but which way (up or down) should I push the "blades" of this wheel?

Car is up on stands and it's getting cold out!

Thanks for any speedy responses!

RK

RedlineMan

Sorry Dude...

Can't think off hand which way they go. Set the e-brake partly on and you will certainly know when it starts to drag.

MHT

the threads on the adjusters are normal, right hand threads. If you look at the adjuster you are trying to lengthen the threaded portion of the adjuster. If the star is on the right end of the threads as you look at it you want to rotate the star downwards, if it is on the left, do the opposite. Iusually tighten them untill the drum is locked up and then back them off about 4 to 5 clicks, make sure at this point that the rotor turns freely, if you hear a slight rubbing noise, that's O.K..

Rally Guy

This makes sense and is good info - thanks.

However - I can't tell (see) which end the star is on.

Is there a rule of thumb for these: UP for left: Down for Right or something?

Thanks,

RK

Hans

If ajuster is facing up: star to be turned to the left
I would expect the hole to be in the top of the mounting plate then.
Fastest: simply try with the hand just brake on while rotating the wheel.
You feel it when the friction builds up. if it doesnt after say 6 "clicks"(close to 1 turn), you are heading for the wrong direction
TakeCare

Bryan

I found that the fastest way was to squirt oil in there to make it easy to turn the adjuster, pry the spring up off the little gear thing that you turn, and just start spinning it in one direction and watching the mechanism. If the mechanism starts to spread apart as you're turning it, you're tightening the brake since you are moving the shoes apart. If the mechanism collapses together as you spin it, you're loosening the brake since you're pulling the shoes together.

The other side of the car will be the opposite direction to tighten.

Bryan

Scootin159

Hmm...

Up for the left
Down for the right

That explains why my left side one won't get tight no matter how many times I turn it down, lol. Must make a note of this for the spring.

Rally Guy

Are you guys adjusting these with the rotors OFF the car???

If not, how are you able to see all this stuff through that tiny little hole?

Also - is there some kind of retainer that prevents the "star" wheel from turning? I sprayed a bit of WD-40 on the wheel since it seemed reluctant to turn - but no luck.

Thanks for any further info.

RK