8 replies to this topic

[MinipixMatthew]

Hi

I have a Mini that's been in storage for several months with the handbrake on, and the rear drums are now seized. Is there any way of un-seizing them? Do I need to replace anything or can I just hit it with a hammer to free it up? It's my own silly fault for leaving the handbrake on (the car has been garaged for the winter), so no one to blame but myself! It has happened before when I left the car stationery for a couple of weeks, but revving the engine hard enough forced the brakes free that time - I haven't tried that approach this time, but I was wondering if there was a tried-and-tested approach to un-seizing that doesn't involve ruining the clutch...

[lrostoke]

Yes hitting with a hammer should work, use a soft faced one though, its possible to crack the drum using a metal hammer.
I'd then give it a check over, cables, quadrants, adjusters.

[andyapanel]

I would try WD40 and heat to start with.
If no joy:
Reversing sometimes works.
If not, gentle persasion with a pry bar might do it.
Finally, screw a nut on and put a breaker bar on it.
Good luck

[Ethel]

Reversing

[spaceoctagon]

Greece the handbrake mechanism

[Ollie]

whack it with a massive mallet lol

[sven_2k4]

Jack her up
Take of the wheel
Whack the face of the drum inbetwen the studs in a 12-6-9-3 rotation
DO NOT HIT THE SIDES!!! if you do every time you brake you'll feel a pulse through the brake pedal and if youv'e hit it hard enough it'll lock the wheel up premiturely or even shatter the drum....

Just a mech's advice ;o)

[MinipixMatthew]

Thanks guys, that's a lot of advice, I'll bear that in mind! Much appreciated.

[Retro_10s]

I would try WD40

WD40 will contaminate the shoes and drum lining, leaving you with little braking from the back,... Brake cleaner, easy-start or Carb cleaner would be best if using any fluids...

Or pour some Panel Prep over the drum, that'll seep in and wash away any gunk etc...