my handbrake is not grabbing as well as i would like it to, is there a way to adjust it? thanks

 

Yep. Unclip the boot from the console and lift it up. You'll see a nut (I think 10mm, but not sure) on the front of the handbrake unit, below the handle. The appropriate procedure is to jack up the rear of the car, and adjust this nut such that there is NO drag on the rear wheels at "zero" clicks and "one" click... but then starts grabbing at the 2nd click. I found that I could take a TON of slack out of mine and it made a huge difference in the amount of stopping power available at 3-4 clicks.

 

Good to know for those who have fit my rear Wilwood parking brake calipers also. Due to the change in the leverage mechanism on the caliper I've found the handle needs about six clicks to be effective. While sure there was/is a way to take out some of that slack I've personally not done so.

 

Cool Todd... by the way... to remove slack, you tighten the nut (turn clockwise)... which basically pulls more of the stud through (more exposed stud = less slack)...

 

ok sounds good, and what is the best way to move the boot? thanks

 

ifound the adjustment appratus, now what is the best way to check my work? i would prefer the brake as tight as possible.

 

Re-read my first reply.
1) lift rear of car
2) pull brake one click
3) try to turn rear wheel. Should be no brake drag
4) pull brake to second click
5) you should start to get some drag on the wheel now
6) you can tighten it as much as possible while still having NO DRAG on the first click.
7) done (don't forget to take the car off the jack before you try to drive... )

 

excellent thanks, it was just not bighting before

 

Glad I found this post, I just installed the TCE rear kit and I'm looking to ADD slack to the system. I'm assuming following your directions in reverse will do that, I'll give it a shot tonight!

 

TO adjust handbrake on my2011 mini cooper R60 countryman, remove cover behind handbrake console on centre console in back of car., to do this , unclip circular plastic plate with small blade and unscrew 3 x torx screws, pull cover off, look under top of hole and you will see at the very top a threaded bar with a 10mm nut, you will need a 1-2" long 10mm socket , with extention bar to either tighten or loosen hand brake cable. DOUG.

 

TO adjust handbrake on my2011 mini cooper R60 countryman, remove cover behind handbrake console on centre console in back of car., to do this , unclip circular plastic plate with small blade and unscrew 3 x torx screws, pull cover off, look under top of hole and you will see at the very top a threaded bar with a 10mm nut, you will need a 1-2" long 10mm socket , with extention bar to either tighten or loosen hand brake cable. DOUG.