Hi all,
(please ignore my laymans language)
My handbrake has never worked too good to begin with, and the other day I parked on a hill and yanked it so hard that the piece of metal just above the latch that clicks was pushed over the top of the little teeth, so that I could not get it back down again.

I spent hours taking apart the centre console, undid both the screws that hold the cables in on each side, as well as playing with the bolt at the end of the handbrake lever (15 - 17mm). I got the handbrake unstuck, but now that whole thing doesn't work at all. I saw one post for an early 80's 240, but in it the bolt (15 - 17mm) is said to be facing forwards, when mine is facing the back.

Is there someone out there who can offer a primer on ajusting the handbrake on late 80's 240's?

Thanks in advance,
Max K.

The center bolt is rough adjustment. The screws are fine adjustment.

Raise rear end onto axle stands. Lower hand brake, spin wheels, wheels should turn freely. Raise hand brake to two clicks, tighten center bolt till wheel starts grabbing. Adjust opposite wheel with screw to get about same resistance.

Wheels should lock about 4th click, run free fully lowered.
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1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb and M46 trans in Brampton, Ont.

Thanks for the reply.

The handbrake is fully released and it seems that my rear drums are still not rolling freely. In the older manual at the library it says that I can ajust the drum by lining up the hole in the drum with a bolt.

I can't see into that hole, so does anyone know where it has to be aligned?
Is it top dead centre?

"it says that I can ajust the drum by lining up the hole in the drum with a bolt."
In older 240s there was a star wheel that you could access through the hole and adjust with a screwdriver. The wheel was later removed and all adjustments are done at the handbrake. I forget where the wheel is positioned but probably around TDC.

If the caliper brake pads aren't touching the rotor but you are still getting resistance, you may need to remove the rotor to see what's going on. If you hadn't been using your handbrake, things may be seized up from first use. Drum brake pads have a tendency to rust off their shoes and jam.
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1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb and M46 trans in Brampton, Ont.

Will do.
Thanks for the help.

Rotor removal isn't an easy job if the brake pads are gripping the inner surface of the drum. Loosen the center bolt as much as you can.

BTW, Cdn Tire sells the Haynes 240 repair manual for $19.99. They can order it, if it's not on the rack.
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1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb and M46 trans in Brampton, Ont.