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Autopapyrus · Lada Kalina (Generation I)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/lada/kalina/parking-brake-cable-adjustment/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Lada Kalina (Generation I): Parking Brake Cable Adjustment

On the first-generation Kalina, the parking brake acts on the rear wheels through a cable drive. The cable stretches over time and the lever travel increases. It is adjusted with the adjusting nut on the end of the front cable at the equalizer. The exact procedure for this model is not documented in publicly available service materials, so the general principle is given below. Confirm the location of the nut by looking under the car.

Difficulty: Easy Time: 30-60 minutes Steps: 8

Parts

2
№Part
01 Parking brake cable, rear (left or right), Lada Kalina with rear drum brakesif faulty; if adjustment does not help
02 Rear brake shoe setif faulty; if adjustment does not help

Tools

6
  • Floor jack and jack stands
  • wheel chocks
  • 10 mm and 13 mm open-end wrenches (for the locknut and adjusting nut)
  • flat-blade screwdriver
  • flashlight
  • WD-40 or similar penetrating oil

Step by step

8 steps
  1. Park the car on level ground and chock the front wheels. Lower the parking brake lever completely and put the transmission in neutral.
  2. Lift the rear wheels and support the car on jack stands. Check that both wheels turn by hand without heavy dragging. Light rubbing of the shoes against the drum is acceptable.
  3. Count the current lever travel. The norm is about 3-5 clicks until the rear wheels lock reliably. If the travel is greater, adjust it. If the wheels do not lock even at 7-8 clicks, first check the shoes and drums for wear, and only then the cable.
  4. Locate the adjuster under the car: the threaded end of the front cable with a nut and locknut, connected to the rear brake equalizer. Clean the threads and apply penetrating oil, then let it soak for 5-10 minutes.
  5. Loosen the locknut, if there is one. Hold the cable end to keep it from turning, tighten the adjusting nut, and take up the cable. Do not tighten it all the way; just remove the slack.
  6. Lower the lever to its bottom position and check that both rear wheels turn freely. Then raise the lever 3-5 clicks. Both wheels should be braked equally and without jerking. If one wheel brakes noticeably less, check whether the cable or the shoes on that side are seized.
  7. Tighten the locknut. For an M8 thread, moderate force is enough, about 8-12 N·m (6-9 lb-ft).
  8. With the lever lowered, check that the wheels turn freely, and repeat the test after the brakes warm up. Lower the car and check that it holds on a slight slope.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • The parking brake is a safety component
  • If the lever still has excessive travel after adjustment, the wheels brake unevenly, or the hubs get hot after driving, do not drive the car
  • See a repair shop if you lack experience
  • Do not overtighten the cable: the shoes will constantly rub against the drum, overheat, and wear out quickly
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