Hello chaps, although I've been browsing these forums for a while, this is my first post. I've got a 2001 Carisma Mirage (1.8 GDI) and the handbrake has gone considerably slack though it holds at the very top of its run. Reading these forums I thought I might try to tighten the adjuster screw but to get to it I need to remove the console around the handbrake. I have no idea how to go about this. Do I need to remove the screws up around the console head or is the console actually in separate parts? Is there a hidden release catch or is brute force required? Any help will be really appreciated. Thanks.

When the handbrakes go slack like that its usually with the handbrake shoes. Why does a person juss run to adjust the cable on the handbrake lever without even checking the shoes for the handbrake. Before checking yur handbrake cable adjustment yu need to obviouslly check the handbrake shoe assembly . The handbrake shoes do wear like regular brake pads , especially when they are used a bit. ALso they have an adjustment also. If yu have rear drum brakes , as many half these models had , then primary brake shoe in the rear brake shoes assembly is used for the handbrake , and gets higher wear because its used for regular braking and also for the handbrake . So they may need replacing , adjusting the inside cable will not do anythin but possibly damage the handbrake adjuster in the shoe assembly and also push the primary shoe so far out it wilkl damage the retainer springs and lock the padless shoes into the inner of the drum.

So before running to wut yu think is a "quick fix" . Check the obvious.

Thanks for the reply KiT TeUnG 2549... I'm not a mechanic so it wasn't obvious to me; the adjuster screw just seemed like the logical answer. However, your reply has reminded me that I'm not qualified for this kind of stuff so its probably best if I leave it to those who are. (I certainly won't be messing around with the adjuster screw on your advice). Cheers.

I don't know about the technicalities of the handbrake, but for future reference removing the centre console is quite easy.

Towards the rear of the centre console there is a large square well for storage of bottles etc. At the bottom of this well is a rubber mat. Pull out the rubber mat and you will see 4 screws underneath. These hold the console in place. Remover the screws and the console will come away.