how do i adjust the handbrake on a 1996 ford escort with rear brake shoes?

I see you have answers on how to adjust but be carefull not to over tighten the adjustment ....after about the 3rd clic on hand pull the brakes should start to hold

bg
November 2005

The rear brakes on these cars are self adjusting and the handbrake adjusts with them. usually if the pull up on the lever becomes excessive its time for new rear brake shoes, at this cars life if its done around 50000 miles the shoes will need replacing.

Lofty
November 2005

Pull away the rubber gater around the hand brake. You will now see the two hand brake cables. Loosen the outer lock nut (if it has one) and tighten the inner nut. Make sure you do both as even as you can.

Simon.
October 2005

Handbooks are not much help, always the same, help on what you don't need, but never on what you do need. I have a Peugeot and it doesn't mention 'Lights' under L in index, I'm still searching I only want to change a bulb.

Phone your local library and find out if they have workshop manuals, I loaned one from our local library for a Vauxhall.

If it IS adjustable it is a 'crawl under the car job' to get the the end of the cable with an adjusting nut and lock nut on it. If it's the self adjusting shoe type then either your shoes are worn or you break cable has stretched and needs replacing.
Or if you're in a breakdown service they may have a help desk that will talk you through what to do.

Bob
October 2005