Foot brake tends to stick slightly.

Dean Fletcher

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Hi chaps,
What's the best way to tackle a sticking handbrake / footbrake. When I park up at night I apply the foot brake then I go to it the next day turn car pull the handle to release the parking brake and the car sometimes doesn't move I have to give it a little movement then a little jolt happens to free it up then all seems well. I'm thinking the caliper piston is seizing up. What do you think the best way to tackle this is and any instructions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
 

LostKiwi

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It won't be a caliper piston as the parking brake doesn't use them.
There is a pure mechanical linkage from pedal to drum brake shoe (inside the rear hub). The usual issue is a sticking pedal or sticking linkage under the rear seat area.
 

onefortheroad

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Get under the panel and apply a penetrating spray to the workings as you press and release the footbrake. Maybe nip up the handbrake shoes and aim for 8 clicks should improve it alot.
 
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Dean Fletcher

Dean Fletcher

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Get under the panel and apply a penetrating spray to the workings as you press and release the footbrake. Maybe nip up the handbrake shoes and aim for 8 clicks should improve it alot.
Funny enough I counted the clicks last night at it was 8 exactly. How do you get to the panel?
 

NBurns

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I've got a similar problem with my foot brake. When I pull the handle the warning light doesn't go out immediately. Sometimes I have to pull a couple of times for the warning light to go out.



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Blobcat

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Once you've got it sorted stop using the parking brake - my smart used to stick, cleaned it stopped letting it rust on overnight and not had an issue since - autoboxes (assuming parking fairly level) don't suffer from being put in park.
 

ajlsl600

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linkages .. take it to bits clean lube ,simples in my experience this is not unusual

as above i dont use mine much anyway P is pretty effective
 
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LostKiwi

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Once you've got it sorted stop using the parking brake - my smart used to stick, cleaned it stopped letting it rust on overnight and not had an issue since - autoboxes (assuming parking fairly level) don't suffer from being put in park.
I disagree. Use it or lose it.
If you use the parking brake regularly it won't get sticky nearly as quickly as if you don't. I'm not a fan of leaving a car sitting only on the park pawls in the gearbox.
 

onefortheroad

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Funny enough I counted the clicks last night at it was 8 exactly. How do you get to the panel?

Push the seat back. Get in the car and bend your back and neck where the pedals are and look up .
 

onefortheroad

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Me -2019 GLC 350 coupe AMG line. Mrs- ford kuga 65 plate awd powershift .
I've got a similar problem with my foot brake. When I pull the handle the warning light doesn't go out immediately. Sometimes I have to pull a couple of times for the warning light to go out.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Pull the pedal up with your foot. Or spray the workings as mentioned and free it up.
 

CowleyStJames

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If you don't use it regularly it'll start sticking.
You can lift the foot pedal with your foot, this'll release it fully.
Start using it a lot and it'll start working ok.
Mine was doing exactly as yours does, leading to an MOT failure. Mechanic sprayed silicon spray on back of release lever and pedal linkages to free it all up.
I now use it, even if not on a hill, and it works beautifully. These things don't like not being used
 

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I disagree. Use it or lose it.
If you use the parking brake regularly it won't get sticky nearly as quickly as if you don't. I'm not a fan of leaving a car sitting only on the park pawls in the gearbox.
I use it regularly in driving and parking during the day, I just never leave it on overnight or for an extended period. Had a few issues with them sticking on in the past, not had an issue with it not working or sticking with my method.

If you go to any auctions and watch the cars being brought in the number with stuck parking brake shoes is high, into reverse and skid it backwards to free them is the standard operating procedure for auctions.
 
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Dean Fletcher

Dean Fletcher

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I use mine everyday I live in a slight hill so need to have it on. Some days it's fine and other it's not so good. I'll have a look at the panel when I get time. I checked the foot pedal this morning and it bounces back like a virgins erection. :D
 

EmilysDad

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All my autos have had their hand/emergency brake tested regularly every year for MOT. ;)
The only car I've recently had a sticky hand brake on was my previous 451 Smart & that was used every day .... the shoes themselves stuck in the drum.:confused:
 

EmilysDad

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It won't be a caliper piston as the parking brake doesn't use them.
.....
Actually ..... :) the electric parking brake on my W166 ML uses the disc & pads .... There's no drum, which surprised me.o_O
 

hopeful

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It won't be a caliper piston as the parking brake doesn't use them.
There is a pure mechanical linkage from pedal to drum brake shoe (inside the rear hub). The usual issue is a sticking pedal or sticking linkage under the rear seat area.

as lostkiwi said adjustment under the seat ,brush it out liberally spay and check the return spring has not snapped ,easy fix if it has ( prise the remains away ,drill a hole in panel opposite the adjustment nut rearwards and attach a spring to the front cable mech
 

mercmancdi

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Funny enough I counted the clicks last night at it was 8 exactly. How do you get to the panel?

lift back seat in mine ,,there’s a inspection plate in the centre with a few studs around it once off you can see the linkage.
 

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