You have to start in the rear drums/discs and reset self adjusters(usually seized),With the cable off.only then can you refit and adjust freeplay(adjuster on the end of cbl)if you dont the brakes "will"seize on,costing you a lot more money.Practically every car I see has had the cable tightened,I dont mind,I make more money repairing the dammage.Take cash out of my/our pockets and check self adjusters before going anywhere near cbl adjustment.
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Try fixfault.com to fix cars.