34 10 014 Adjusting handbrake

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 BMW 550i, 2006 BMW 550i, 2005 BMW 545i, and 2004 BMW 545i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special Tools Required:

32 1 030

Perform inspection in the following manner:

When 1st ratchet is engaged, no braking force should be exerted.

The difference in wheel circumferential forces between the left and right wheels may deviate by max. 30 % from the greater value (measured on brake analyzer).

In event of larger deviations of wheel circumferential force: carry out readjustment.

It must be possible to brake with locked wheels with the handbrake.

The handbrake must be readjusted whenever the actuation stroke is greater than 10 teeth.

NOTE: The handbrake can only be adjusted correctly when the parking brake Bowden cables and all moving handbrake parts are free to move and fully operational. Basic handbrake adjustment is necessary:

When replacing parking brake shoes.
When replacing brake discs.
In event of excessive actuation stroke (10 teeth).
When replacing parking brake Bowden cables

Setting Instruction For Brake Shoes (Basic Setting):
Lock adjuster unit (ASZE).

Using special tool 32 1 030, press stop (1) of adjusting spring back to such an extent that retaining hook (2) engages in stop (1).

Fig 1: Identifying Stop Of Adjusting Spring
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Completely unscrew one wheel stud on each rear wheel.

Installation:

Tightening torque, refer to 36 10 1AZ in WHEEL AND TIRES - TIGHTENING TORQUES - E60 .

Turn wheel until adjustment screw is visible in tapped hole.

Fig 2: Identifying Wheel Stud In Rear Wheel
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Turn adjusting screw with a screwdriver until the wheel is no longer able to turn.

Then unfasten the adjusting screw 8 notches.

Fig 3: Turning Adjusting Screw With Screwdriver
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unlock adjuster unit (ASZE).

Lever restraint hook (2) outwards with a suitable screwdriver (1).

Restraint hook (2) must disengage from stop of adjusting spring.

Fig 4: Removing Lever Restraint Hook
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Setting Instruction For Parking Brake Bowden Cables:
The handbrake lever must be applied 5 times to approx. 400 N actuating force.
1. 2.1 On Brake Analyzer:
  0th Tooth (Handbrake Released): Vehicles with manual transmission: Shift lever in neutral position.
  
  Vehicles with automatic transmission: Selector lever in "N" position.
  - Without locking differential </= 150 N.
  - With locking differential </= 200 N (possibly odd display).
  1st tooth: No increase in braking force with regard to 0th tooth. Indicator lamp can be lit.
  
  2nd tooth: Indicator lamp must be lit.
  
  3rd tooth: Increase in braking force.
  
  5th tooth: The brake force display must have reached >/= 400 N.
  
  Checking brake force differential at wheel:
  
  Apply handbrake until a wheel circumferential force (brake force display) of min. 1000 N is reached. Max. permitted brake force differential right/left </=35; (referred to greater brake value).
Braking In The Duo-Servo Parking Brake:
The following braking-in procedures are applicable in case of insufficient braking effect or after replacing brake discs and/or brake shoes.
1. 3.1 On Brake Analyzer:
  Apply handbrake lever until wheel circumferential force on first wheel is 800 N.
  
  Lock lever in next lower tooth.
  
  Release handbrake lever after approx. 2 minutes.
2. 3.2 When Driving On Road:
  (If possible inside the company grounds or on an unused road)
  
  At approx. 40 km/h, apply handbrake lever until braking action can be felt.
  
  Pull up handbrake lever into next notch and drive on for approx. 400 m.
  
  A basic requirement is that handbrake is adjusted uniformly.
  
  NOTE: If necessary, repeat braking-in procedure.
  
  IMPORTANT: Allow brake to cool down sufficiently.