This didn't really bother me much but i was wondering why is my hand brakes sooo weak?? i have a automatic tranny

 

I tried stopping my car with the ebrake one time...took pretty long

 

it needs to be adjusted, you might have to get it done , im not sure how they do it its something to do with the holes on the rear wheel and adjusting the cable but i not quite sure how.

 

first, jack up the rear of the car and remove 1 lug bolt from each rear wheel. shine a flashlight into the hole and rotate the wheel until the hole is at about 6:00-7o o-clock position. you will see the star adjuster wheel in there. by turning the adjuster, you can tighten or loosen the parking brake although i don't remember which way is which. adjust the star wheel until a slight amount of drag is heard and then back off the adjuster about 4 turns. repeat for the other side. the parking brake should hold the car after about 8-10 clicks of the parking brake.

 

Maybe it's not what you expected. The better term for what you're using is a "parking brake". It may be used in emergency situations. ABS, mutli-channel and multi circuit braking systems have nearly eliminated total brake failure so the previously intended "emergency" brake has a different use.

However, if properly adjusted (previous posts have provided basic instructions) the parking brake should begin to take hold and slow your car down by the third or fourth click. Any sooner and it means the brake shoes are riding too close to the drum. That will cause heat build-up and premature wear. In this picture you will notice the star wheel that adjusts the brake shoes. The parking brake lever in the car also provides adjustment to shorten (and therefore tighten up) the actuating cable.

Some newer automobiles are using electronic parking brake actuators (VW/Audi).

 

BMW too... in the 7 series since like 2001 and recently in the new Z4

 

mmmm not on the '01 7 series ... at least not on mine. But yes, for sure, more of them will be on the way to eliminate cables and such!

 

The 545 has the star wheel adjuster. I have already had them completely apart because some previous moron installed the return springs incorrectly. As far as the 2001 E-38 7 series, they did not have any type of electronic parking brake, just a star adjuster. As far as any adjustment at the parking brake handle, that is true on the older BMW's, E-36 3 series, E-39 5 series, but not on the E-60. BMW recommends that the parking brake hold the vehicle in place after about 8 clicks. Total brake failure is almost non-existent nowadays thanks to split brake systems where the l/f and r/r brakes are connected to one side of the system and the r/f and l/r brakes are connected to the other side. should one side fail, the theory is that you will still have 1 front and 1 rear brake to slow/stop the vehicle.

 

Spot on! Here's what the adjuster looks like inside. GL.

 

interesting... =] why cant bmw just adjust my ebrake, add sprint booster -_- , and built a stronger cup holder!! Rawr!