Rear brakes seized ?

redbull_a2

A2OC Donor
Haven't used my A2 for about 2 weeks now , trying to preserve it :)
I washed it yesterday without moving it and I just attempted to take the A2 for a spin and I engaged reverse the car wouldn't move , the whole back end of the car raised up , with enough revs it eventually released, in the past I have had the same problem but not this bad. Could someone advise if it's the rear drums seized ?
 
Haven't used my A2 for about 2 weeks now , trying to preserve it :)
I washed it yesterday without moving it and I just attempted to take the A2 for a spin and I engaged reverse the car wouldn't move , the whole back end of the car raised up , with enough revs it eventually released, in the past I have had the same problem but not this bad. Could someone advise if it's the rear drums seized ?

Hi,

If you are leaving your car alone for several weeks it is always best to not use the handbrake, leave the car in gear and or chocked (unless you live on a steep hill!!!)

The lining does stick to the drum, but the drum won't be seized.

The brake lining can sometimes come off the brake shoe or even split in two (seen it a few times)
but if you have freed it off and it is no longer binding then it is probably ok now.

Steve B
 
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I use to have the same problem, I leave my A2 parked up for months, outside. I now, don't put the hand bake on, I just leave it in gear. Problem solved for me.
paul
 
Hi redbull,

I had this problem a year or so ago and I'm almost certain yours is the same problem.
The handbrake operates via cable pulling on an arm which is pivoted on to to one of the shoes. If the handbrake is used only when parking, it will eventually cease up at the pivot.
This can be fixed by removing the drum and gently tapping on the lower part of this arm (where the spring is attached) back and forth and gently applying WD-40 to the pivot (taking care not to get any oil on the shoes).
You will need to persevere until the spring can freely release the arm.
Bare in mind that you may have difficulty removing the drum unless you can release the self adjustment wedge.

I strongly suggest you get it fixed asp unless you don't intend to use the handbrake ever again.


Regards
Mike
 
We had a Golf that needed bearings for the back wheels change quite often. To get the drum off, the trick was to move the self adjustment wedge up with a screwdriver through the wheel nut holes, before removing the drum. Otherwise it wouldn't come off. I guess the A2 has a similar construction of the rear brakes.
 
Paul

The rear brake shoes do "stick" when the handbrake is activated and the car not used for a while - this is "normal" and nothing to be really concerned about.
The correct way to free this "lock-up" is to drive the car slowly in a FORWARD direction. This is because the rear brake shoe has a self energising effect when the car is driven in reverse and the system will increase the braking force if driven backwards with the brakes either being, or applied.

This has to do with the rear drum brake design being of a leading/trailing type.

Personally, I do not advocate the use of any lubricants on the braking components other than a copper type grease, and then in very modest quantities and on the necessary rubbing components. Correct handbrake cable adjustment is also advised.

blue skies
tony
 
Thanks for all of your advice , only happened in the past the day after I have cleaned my car. I have now released the handbrake and left it in gear as it is always parked on the drive. I must admit I took my A2 for a spin yesterday and loved it , I usually drive the Merc diesel but I have to admit the A2 is more fun to drive and It get more looks when on the road .
 
Use the parking brake Paul, perhaps only enough clicks to keep the car from moving.

blue skies
tony
 
Just got in the A2 and one wheel is seized. Is there a quick way to free us or is it wheel and drum removal ?
 
Just got in the A2 and one wheel is seized. Is there a quick way to free us or is it wheel and drum removal ?
A quick fix maybe to jack up the stuck side and hit the rear of the wheel rim with a hammer and block of wood, the block of wood will protect the wheel from hammer damage.. Make sure you chock the other wheels to stop the car moving before jacking up.
 
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