I’m trying to figure out why my handbrake doesn’t work on my 95 xj. I’ve adjusted it and then pulled the lever and it is tight but then it gets loose again and the adjuster is hitting the driveshaft. I'm confused on why it loosens itself after I pull the lever and why it hits the driveshaft.

 

If you pop your rear drums off, you should see a return spring on each handbrake cable end where it goes inside the backing plate on the rear brakes. If those springs are shot, the cable won't retract and remain taught when you release the lever. AFAIK, the only way to fix that is to get new cables.

 

Take the rear drums off and check the shoes and other hardware, especially the self adjusters..

 

I’ll take a look at that

 

I did adjust the shoes and the adjusters work

 

What spring? I’m a bit confused on which spring. I think you’re referring to the park brake strut and spring but I’m not entirely sure

 

You can always just replace all the springs and the shoes. It’s all pretty cheap parts.

However, I have found the hand break adjustment somewhat confounding.

 

I think he means this one, on the end of the cable.

 

Yes, that one! And thanks for replying, since I'm just seeing this now.