86 10... Adjusting brake system

2013 Mini Cooper Countryman, Standard TransSECTION 86 10... Adjusting brake system
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Proper adjustment of the brake system is only possible if the brake Bowden cables and all brake system moving parts move freely and are ready for operation.

The wheels must be completely fitted and able to rotate freely. Always adjust both brake sides. The left and right sides are adjusted in the same way.

Pull out overrunning equipment (1) fully in direction of arrow.

Fig 1: Pulling Out Overrunning Equipment In Direction Of Arrow
G04786622Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Reversing lever (1) must rest directly on innerlying tow tube of overrunning brake.

Fig 2: Identifying Reversing Lever
G04780976Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Screw brake linkage (1) into nut (2) until distance (3) (nut (2) - end of brake linkage (1)), is 10 - 15mm. Lock brake linkage (1) in position with nut (4).

Check distance (3) and nuts (2, 4) with brake linkage installed.

Fig 3: Checking Distance And Nuts With Brake Linkage Installed
G04786624Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert pull rod (1) in brake compensator (2) and screw nut (3) onto pull rod (2).

Tighten nut (3) until pull rod (1) is free of play.

Check pull rod (1) already fitted for zero play.

Fig 4: Inserting Pull Rod In Brake Compensator And Screw Nut
G04780978Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Hook tension spring (1) to tension spring mount (2).

Installation: 

The brake shoes are adjusted in two work steps. In the first step, the distance between the lower half of the brake shoes and the brake drum is adjusted. In the second step, the distance between the upper half of the brake shoes and the brake drum is adjusted.

Fig 5: Identifying Hook Tension Spring To Tension Spring Mount
G04786626Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Rotate road wheel (1) in direction of travel and simultaneously turn adjusting screw (2) in direction of arrow.

Tighten adjusting screw (2) until road wheel (1) can no longer be turned.

Fig 6: Rotating Road Wheel In Direction Of Arrow
G04786627Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Turn adjusting screw (1) in direction of arrow and release slowly until road wheel (2) can rotate.

Finish adjustment procedure when slight grinding noises can be heard in lower brake shoe halves.

Fig 7: Turning Adjusting Screw In Direction Of Arrow
G04786628Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Firmly tighten handbrake lever three to five times.

Depending on road wheel side, tighten nut (1) or (2) until slight grinding noises can be heard in upper brake shoe halves.

Fig 8: Identifying Nuts (1) or (2)
G04786629Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.