500 What have I done?

[Bert One]

The brakes are just a noise which was apparent when I test-drove, it was still there slightly today but went after a few miles, if it continues I'll raise it when we pick up the Astra.
The paint is a few scratches I didn't notice and that is my fault, I'm not unrealistic enough to expect a showroom fresh car after 18 months.

 

[306maxi]

Front pads need a little copper grease on the reaction frames and the brakes will be fine

 

[jrkitching]

also I'm not sure if there is a spot of binding in the rear brakes or just new car paranoia?

Front pads need a little copper grease on the reaction frames and the brakes will be fine

Another case of speed reading perhaps Maxi?

On drum braked models like the OP's 1.2, you can easily check if a rear brake is binding by jacking it up & spinning the wheel with the handbrake off. The cure is to dismantle, clean & grease, resetting the automatic adjusters as you go, but could possibly also be down to an overly tight or sticking handbrake cable.

Cars fitted with rear discs have exactly the same issues with pads sticking in ungreased reaction frames as so many of us have had with the front disc setup, only more so as the rear disc brake system is perfectly placed to get covered in salt spray in wintertime.

 

[306maxi]

I bet the front pads are binding somewhat though!

 

[jrkitching]

I bet the front pads are binding somewhat though!

I'd say pretty much every 500 run in the UK climate with unlubricated reaction frames will have front pads which are binding somewhat .

 

[The Twins]

The 1.2 and TA have different design callipers. The ones on the TA do look less problematic with regards to reaction frames/pads sticking

 

[Bert One]

Had a bit of a frustrating day. 3 grandchildren plus 2 Adults into 4 seats doesn't go, so no 500 time. Curse these overfertile offspring!

 

[werdna]

You started it !

 

[Bert One]

You started it !

Not really, they are not actually blood relations but I still love 'em anyway!
At least I won't be asking for advice about removing chocolate stains from the seats

 

[Bert One]

drove into work on nice quiet Bank Holiday roads this morning, no untoward noises, it was probably just paranoia on my part so I will spend some time sorting out the bits and pieces on the paint and wheel trims and try to get some pics on the forum.
Not felt so enthusiastic about a new car since I got an A4 cab. about 10 yrs ago, wish I'd done this when the 500 was first introduced.

 

[varesecrazy]

drove into work on nice quiet Bank Holiday roads this morning, no untoward noises, it was probably just paranoia on my part so I will spend some time sorting out the bits and pieces on the paint and wheel trims and try to get some pics on the forum.
Not felt so enthusiastic about a new car since I got an A4 cab. about 10 yrs ago, wish I'd done this when the 500 was first introduced.

glad you are getting on well,
we've had our panda for 9 years and 60K miles, excellent - well built vehicles,
I have noticed that the 2010 on cars brake drums / discs do see to grind a bit after ANY damp weather,
you only notice for a few seconds of 1st application - then all is good,

how many miles on yours?,

Charlie

 

[Bert One]

Just under 12k

 

[ahmett]

Another case of speed reading perhaps Maxi?

On drum braked models like the OP's 1.2, you can easily check if a rear brake is binding by jacking it up & spinning the wheel with the handbrake off. The cure is to dismantle, clean & grease, resetting the automatic adjusters as you go, but could possibly also be down to an overly tight or sticking handbrake cable.

Cars fitted with rear discs have exactly the same issues with pads sticking in ungreased reaction frames as so many of us have had with the front disc setup, only more so as the rear disc brake system is perfectly placed to get covered in salt spray in wintertime.

Yes rear discs are ridiculous! Cleaned them right up!!