My 2011 TSX suddenly developed a sloppy hand brake. When you pull it up, it is loose - no tension - for about an inch, and then you get the first click. After that it is solid and stops within 6-8 clicks and does its job. I tried tightening the cable by going into the access hole in the console, but the nut didn't really turn. It just kept backing up after each attempt. Here's a link to a video someone posted with the same problem but no solution: Has anyone else encountered this?
My first thought was worn brake pads, but they are good.
Thanks for any thoughts or advice.

 

You'll have to adjust your emergency brake behind the rear rotors. There's a star nut you adjust back there

 

I have not seen that in any of the DIY posts. They all refer to the adjustment in the center console. Can you direct me to a diagram that shows the location of the star nut?

 

Try this one https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...-041-a-578017/

 

No pictures show up, but the post is 12 years old. I guess earlier models had a drum style emergency brake with a star nut for adjustment. My car has only discs.

 

Check the rear calipers - There is a lever on the rear caliper to which the parking brake cable attaches. One (or both) may be seized and not "returning" upon the release of the parking brake. Easiest solution is to replace the defective caliper with a rebuilt one. (or, if you have time, to take apart the caliper and rebuild it yourself).

 

Thanks for the reminder. I pulled the wheels and checked. Both levers move freely and lock and return as they are supposed to.

 

The emergency brake is a drum style behind the discs.

 

Nope. This is a 2011 TSX. No drum.

 

To adjust the nut in the armrest you have to fully take out the center console and then take a ratchet with 12mm socket. Without this, the nut is not able to do a full turn and won’t tighthen

 

My hand brake acts like the one on the video, Did a full brake/rotor ALL around last week and now its gone. Rear pads still had like 75% life. But replaced them anyway along with new rotors.

Was thinking of doing the center console adjustment but this fix my issue.

 

Yup, exactly what I'm now thinking. I bought new pads, but when I got the old ones out they looked almost like the new ones ...so I returned them. I think replacing the pads will be easier than removing the console.

 

To remove the center console it took me 30 min +- and i took the Time to shop vac and clean everything by the way.

Me too my pads and dics were brand new to 4 wheels and my handbrake handle was still loose.

Cheers


Guillaume