If your rear brakes feel weak or ineffective, do not attempt to manually adjust them. Instead, you need to investigate the *cause* of the problem. This could include:
* Worn brake shoes: This is the most common reason. The brake shoes need to be replaced. This requires removing the drum.
* Worn or damaged brake drum: The drum itself may be scored, rusted, or warped. It may need to be machined or replaced.
* Faulty wheel cylinder: This is a component within the drum that actuates the brake shoes. A leak will render the brakes ineffective.
* Handbrake cable adjustment: A loose handbrake cable could affect the rear brakes. You *can* adjust this cable (usually there's an adjuster near the handbrake lever and/or under the car near the rear brakes), but this is usually only to adjust the handbrake itself, not the service brake. A severely misadjusted cable could *indirectly* affect braking performance, though.
* Contaminated brake fluid: Dirty brake fluid can hinder brake performance. A fluid flush is recommended periodically.
In short: To address weak rear brakes, you should take your Ford Fiesta Zetec to a qualified mechanic. Attempting to adjust the brakes yourself could damage the system or lead to unsafe driving conditions. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose the problem and perform the necessary repairs safely and correctly.
