1. Engage The Parking Brake:
Start by setting the parking brake on your Citroen Xsara. This will help keep the vehicle in place while you work on the adjustment.
2. Locate The Adjusting Nut:
Underneath your Citroen Xsara, near the rear wheels, you will find the hand brake lever and a nut that controls the brake cable tension. This nut is usually located near the base of the hand brake lever.
3. Loosen The Locknut:
Before adjusting the hand brake cable tension, you will need to loosen the locknut that secures the adjustment nut in place. Use a wrench to turn the locknut counterclockwise until it is loose.
4. Adjust The Cable Tension:
Once the locknut is loose, you can adjust the hand brake cable tension. Use a wrench to turn the adjusting nut clockwise to tighten the cable and increase the hand brake's effectiveness.
5. Check The Hand Brake Engagement:
As you tighten the adjusting nut, check the engagement of the hand brake. It should hold the vehicle securely when you engage it. If necessary, continue adjusting until the hand brake is at your desired level.
6. Tighten The Locknut:
After achieving the desired hand brake tension, make sure to tighten the locknut back in place. This will secure the adjustment nut and prevent it from loosening over time.
7. Test The Hand Brake:
Once the adjustment is complete, test the hand brake by engaging it and ensuring it holds the vehicle securely. If it feels satisfactory, you have successfully adjusted the hand brake on your Citroen Xsara.
Remember, if you are not comfortable performing this adjustment yourself, it is recommended that you seek assistance from a qualified mechanic.