Hi guys, managed to get down to the MH storage today (37 miles) and relieved to see it hadn't suffered any storm damage. The rooftop solar panel certainly seems to do its job as it fired up first turn of the key (1.9TD). Only problem I had was the back brakes were stuck on - I know this is common when a vehicle sits around for a while - but the guy I bought it from told me a Fiat mechanic pal of his said not to leave the handbrake off when in storage as the pistons on the brake cylinder push out and stick the brakes on. Has anybody ever heard of this. When I laid up a vehicle I jammed a bit of wood onto the clutch pedal to depress it and left it in gear with handbrake off and never had any probs. Any comments appreciated. A Guid New Year to you all, dru :wave:
General back brakes stuck on
- Thread starter remo337
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General back brakes stuck on
Crossingkeeper
Established member
Hi, you didn't specify the model but presumably you have drum rear brakes.
If they are adjusted correctly, until braking is required via foot or hand brake, the pull-off springs will keep the shoes just clear of the drums and the pistons tucked up inside the wheel cylinders, this all being much better for the system.
I would only ever leave a vehicle in gear when not using it (but of course if doing this the clutch has to be engaged!) with handbrake off to avoid the problem you've experienced. It sounds like the mechanic's message has suffered from Chinese whisper syndrome
Olympus
New member
Hi Remo, with either the handbrake applied or not the internal spring have more than enough tension to force the wheel cylinder pistons back in.
What can happen is that when the park brake is applied for long periods rust & dampness + the pressure being applied can cause the brake shoes to stick (quite severely) in some instances to the drums
If there are no other factors...seizing cable etc., then rocking the vehicle forwards & backwards will free up the assembly, and after a few application of the foundation brakes the rust & build up will clear
leaving the park brake off is another option, & don't forget to chock the wheels + leave her in gear...lower one the better
What can happen is that when the park brake is applied for long periods rust & dampness + the pressure being applied can cause the brake shoes to stick (quite severely) in some instances to the drums
If there are no other factors...seizing cable etc., then rocking the vehicle forwards & backwards will free up the assembly, and after a few application of the foundation brakes the rust & build up will clear
leaving the park brake off is another option, & don't forget to chock the wheels + leave her in gear...lower one the better
Hi guys, thanks for replies, am familiar with drum brake systems on older cars, buses and HGVs, fluid and air operated, (served my time on them) - but just wondered if Fiat had introduced some sort of fancy system, but on more investigation just looks like the drum and shoes system. Just was puzzled by the comment made about the brake shoes creeping on when h/brake was left off - when I was a boy one of my highlights was when our heavy recovery truck came back from a recovery I got the job of washing it down and driving it down to its parking bay with the words "don't forget to leave the h/brake off and put it in first gear" ringing in my ears - another perk was starting it up every Friday afternoon to build up the air in the tanks - oh happy days , remo
, remo