Frozen Handbrake?

[davecash]

Drove my car for about half a mile this morning and noticed it was struggling a bit as if the handbrake was still on, pulled over and the rear passenger side brake was glowing red.

Any other occurrences of this in cold weather? Or is it likely that I've suddenly got a seized calliper?

Obviously if it sorts itself when it warms up a bit I'll just leave it in gear instead of putting the handbrake on.

 

[pj1985]

Had this on my golf but didnt think it effected new cars as much. Its a right pain! You are supposed to put the hand brake off and then gentley move backwards and forwards which is supposed to help it warm up and ease off. Doing what you did and driving with it stuck on is not recommended as you found out. Wears your brakes big time and smells etc etc.

 

[TurboCupra]

Would have though getting it red hot would have melted the ice!

Sounds like a siezed caliper!

 

[davecash]

I was thinking more of the cable being frozen. I don't think theres anything near it that would heat it up enough in the few minutes of driving that I did.

 

[chrisbond69]

i would think the calipers may be seized, if it was the cable you could tell by looking at the connecting arm where the cable goes onto, on both calipers,

 

[Sebp]

I've got the same problem! The last few frosty mornings noticed the hand brake was stuck as it seemed like there was slack on the cable when i moved the handle up and down. Pulled less and came to a stop with no braking! I pulled over and the rear pads stank and the calipers were well hot. Makes me think its the cable freezing and not the calipers as they would have thawed out through the heat! Any suggestions??

 

[davecash]

I'm gonna take a look at where the cable joins the rear caliper tonight and leave the handbrake off with it in gear and see what happens.

 

[Sebp]

I'm gonna take a look at where the cable joins the rear caliper tonight and leave the handbrake off with it in gear and see what happens.

Yea im gonna leave it off and in gear tonight too, just hope i remember to put it in neutral before i start it in the morning!

 

[mrurbanite]

This is the same problem I had this morning! Must be a few of us with this issue. I will also let you guys know how I get on tomorrow morning, we should all know what the problem is then! sorted.

 

[Gogsie78]

i have also had this today, noticed it last week so i put it on a pit at work and it was the caliper that was seized. cable seems to be moving freely so it ruled out mine been frozen but i had to tap the caliper free with hammer.

Think i might need a new caliper unless theres another fix.

 

[Craig!]

Possibly seized calliper as the callipers get that hot when the brakes are glowing it would have soon traveled down the cable and thawed it out!

Had the car been stood for a day or two before hand? Get a calliper winding tool from halfords and screw the piston back in, hopefully the seals will still be fine. Check the disc and pads too.

 

[mrurbanite]

Hello,

Car was fine this morning, must have been the frozen hand brake cable! Was not as cold last night, so I know this must have been the problem! Phew!