Honda: Honda Accord Parking Brake Question, Honda, repair

Question
Hi Gary,

I've got an '05 Accord V6 w/ 6 spd transmission.  I noticed that the travel of the parking brake lever was pretty long (like 12 clicks or so) and so I assumed the rear brakes needed to be replaced.  This turned out to be true - so I got that done.

Here's the strange thing - the brake lever still travels 12 clicks or so.  It didn't suddenly get shorter (like it used to on my old car).  Is this normal?  My old car had drum brakes and after a brake job, the handle travel was always much shorter.

Is it possible that because of the newer style caliper brakes in the back, the handle travels the same amount all the time and I just need to adjust that equalizer bracket in the center console?

FYI - I did check...  When I pull the lever all the way up, both back wheels are locked and seem to hold equally...  Everything else seems solid (popped off the calipers and checked the job).

Thanks,
Mark

Answer

Gary J. Meyer II Mark,
I must first thank you for how thorough you were in explaining your situation. Now I'll get your answers.

When new brakes shoes were installed on your previous car the hand brake would have required fewer "clicks" to set the parking brake. The new shoe's lining material was thicker and made contact with the drum sooner resulting in fewer "clicks" at the hand brake lever.

You are correct about adjusting the parking brake cables below the center console. If you tighten  the threaded rod and nut it will decrease the number of "clicks" required to fully apply the parking brake. I think you will be much happier if you set it to about 9 "clicks".
thanks again , Gary