10 replies to this topic

[Kevinmini]

Hi my car has been sat for a while and I am trying to push it across the drive but I’m sure the handbrake or drum brake has locked on, any tips to release would be really helpful

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

Probably handbrake if it's been left on.  Jack up one corner at a time and see which wheel doesn't turn. 

 

I take it the car doesn't run?  They normally release with a clonk once you're moving unless it's really bad.  Can you tow the car a few yards with another vehicle? 

 

Failing that try removing the offending wheel(s) and smack the brake drum with a soft mallet or a hammer with a block of wood in between to soften the blow to see if that shocks the shoes free.

[Algordo1100]

Almost always due to being left with the handbrake on for extended periods. Just make sure it is actually in neutral before pushing. Sounds stupid but I've seen it.

As said. A gentle tow with another vehicle is often enough to free the drums off.

Once, many moons ago with stuck rear drums on an old fiesta, and no other car or tools available. I jacked up the rear at each side and held it up on offcuts of cls timber, then shoved the car forwards off the timber.

I certainly would not recommend that! Rather stupid But it did work!

[Kevinmini]

I have double checked and it was left in neutral and the handbrake was off so it must be the brake drums, so now I’m trying to work out how on Earth the wheels come off due to the odd looking wheel nuts and locking tool that doesn’t seem to pair up

[jime17]

Try pushing it backwards. Drum brakes lock firmer when wheel rotates forwards due to the leading edge of the shoes.

[cal844]

You can get to the hand brake mechanism from below the rear of the car, try tapping this towards the front of the car. If that doesn't free the brakes you can try backing the adjuster off, all the way inboard. Then a long blunt chisel and a hammer to free the shoes.

[MikeRotherham]

I had a similar problem with mine. It turned out to be the nearside front brake pads had locked on to the disc. I had to free them off removing the 2 split pins and jiggling the pads about

[Rorf]

Rusty steel actually expands - if it has been left out in the weather for years then expect the worse.

[jime17]

Almost certainly will be the rear shoes stuck to the drums. Free them off. Thwn check that the lining hasnt come away from the shoe. Back the adjuster off as cam said.

Edited by jime17, 16 October 2019 - 11:33 AM.

[gazza82]

Rusty steel actually expands - if it has been left out in the weather for years then expect the worse.

 

I can vouch for that only not on car metal. Between close coupled cisterns and bowls is a steel plate that is used to hold the two together. I recently had to take one apart that was fitted about 18 years ago .. I know, I installed it.

 

The steel plate was at least twice the thickness of a new one and you could see the layers that formed the steel plate. It didn't take much to snap the thing in half either!

[Kevinmini]

Yep removed the driver side rear wheel & gave the hub a good thump with the nylon hammer and it released the hub after a few more whacks - wheel back on and the mini is moved....... next step garage build