I changed the rear discs and handbrake shoes on my Volvo at the weekend. The discs were badly corroded and the shoes were starting to de-laminate.
Since completing the job, I have found that a much greater effort on the handbrake is required to hold the car stationary. I have degreased the discs and set the shoe adjusters correctly. The cable is adjusted just to the point where all the slack is gone. As before, the shoes start to bite on the first notch of the ratchet, but whereas before it would hold firm with 3-4 clicks, I now have to pull harder and apply 6-8 clicks to get the same effect.
I assume that this loss of friction is due to the fact that the new parts are not bedded in? The old shoe linings were smooth and shiny; the new (Mintex) ones are comparatively rough and pale. As the shoes do not normally make firm contact, unless the car is stationary, is it acceptable to apply the handbrake gently (i.e. a single tooth) for a few miles, to accelerate the bedding in process?