Brake Mystery

[TourerSteve]

Originally Posted by Synchromesh

I backed off the adjusters at the hubs ensuring they were balanced but allowing more lever travel. After that the car felt more responsive (brakes not binding) and after 6 mile run both rear discs/drums were cold. Thanks to everyone who contributed.

Pleased to hear the handbrake adjustment was the problem and you have stopped the overheating
Reading how you have done it you have compensated for an over tight handbrake cable by releasing brake shoe drum adjuster which technically should be adjusted first followed by the cable adjustment as described by Trikey

Originally Posted by trikey

Release the tension on the nut at the handbrake lever, then adjust the handbrake at the wheel until the disc cannot move then back off the adjuster three clicks.
Now adjust the tension at the lever until you get 2-3 clicks at the handbrake, I use this method and never have an issue.

Obviously the handbrake is working satisfactory for now but is something to consider next time you carry out a rear brake service to set the handbrake up correctly