Back brake is seizing.HELP needed!!.

[cupra_r_04]

Bit of a problem,had my LCR parked up over the x-mas cos of the snow and the battary died in it. So I replaced the battary last Friday and when I went to drive the car it wouldn't move,the handbrake was after locking and the back left brake was after seizing. I eventually got it going after about 5mins but then as I driving out my driveway when I hit the brake pedel the brake seized and it wouldn't open again so the car was pulling to the left for a few mins til the pad opened again. I need to take it to a mates place to sort it out,but he lives about 20mins away.would it be safe to drive?

 

[CupraTurbo81]

Bit of a problem,had my LCR parked up over the x-mas cos of the snow and the battary died in it. So I replaced the battary last Friday and when I went to drive the car it wouldn't move,the handbrake was after locking and the back left brake was after seizing. I eventually got it going after about 5mins but then as I driving out my driveway when I hit the brake pedel the brake seized and it wouldn't open again so the car was pulling to the left for a few mins til the pad opened again. I need to take it to a mates place to sort it out,but he lives about 20mins away.would it be safe to drive?

Aslong as its not completely seized or in danger of seizing up. If its binding on the worst that will happen is that it will heat up and begin to smoke but if you take it easy it should be ok. I regulary service my rear breaks as they are prone to sticking especially if not used in a while.

 

[JamJay]

You say that the caliper released so as long as as it does that on your drive there then you will be fine. Obviously don't go too fast and if it locks on, stop and arrange a tow. If you continue to drive then you risk a crash most importantly but you may be able to save your disk & pads this way also. You might just need to wind the caliper back or it might need lubricating, have you tried pumping the brake pedal a fair amount to see if you can get the piston operating properly again?

 

[cupra_r_04]

I turned around and parked up the car again after it happened,I didn't get a chance to look at it since cos I'm working late and it's dark when I get home.. What I have noticed on it though is the rust has stayed on the disc but not on any other of the disc's. I'm going to chance driving it to my mates place and sort it. How do I sort out the piston in the caliper? Will I keep pumping the brakes while I'm driving it jay?

 

[dvdt]

If the disc still has rust on it then that caliper isn't the one sticking on, its the one not coming on at all.

 

[cupra_r_04]

If the disc still has rust on it then that caliper isn't the one sticking on, its the one not coming on at all.

I thought that aswell at first when I saw the rust on it,but then I was thinking why was the car pulling left when I did brake? The rest of the disc's are perfect.

 

[JamJay]

No, pump the brake while stationary first to see if that will release it. If you can find a quiet bit of road, try going up and down it applying the brakes with varied forces. If this doesn't work then you'll need a caliper wind-back tool as I'm sure that they're wind-back pistons however as the brake doesn't seem to be engaging at all then the piston is stuck inwards, possibly with a lot of rust or seized completely meaning a caliper rebuild or new caliper most likely unless there is a way that you can service individual parts.

I can't explain why you're car is pulling left but if all the other brakes are engaging and this one isn't then start with the most obvious culprit first. Once that is fixed and if it still does it then start looking for other issues.

Key to mechanics? Start off simple, far too many people strip everything only to find that something might have just needed greasing

 

[cupra_r_04]

Cheer's JamJay. I'm going to try and see if I can sort it out tonight by pumping it. I've a pretty long drive so hopefully it's only the piston that is stuck. That key to good mechanic's tip is v good,pity I can't put it to good use at the wknd though. I've a leak in my car and I have to rip out the interior to find where it is. Really looking forward to it. I'll keep ya posted on the brake situation. Cheer's.

 

[dvdt]

Door seal will be the leak, search on here for it.

Start of simple is great advice!

Pulling to left when breaking sounds like a front end of car issue. Does it only pull when breaking?