Weird Handbrake issue

1. darrenk L-plater Joined: Oct 2009 kingsbridge, devon Posts: 34 205 1.9 gti 106 gti integra type r civic type r

   #1 10th November 2010, 12:07

   I haven't experienced this before so not to sure where to start. Well I have a mk2 furio and I used the car last night and got to my mates house and the Handbrake went up vertical. So thought it was just a Handbrake cable. Then when I left I stopped on a hill to see if the Handbrake would still hold and the brake peddle went right to the the floor and the Handbrake was fine again and so was the foot brake. But now the Handbrake seems to be getting tighter and the brakes feel really bad and intermittent.
   
   I'm quite good with doing the work myself but just wanted to no where to start as I've had a lot of cars and never experienced this. Any help will be great.
   
   Many thanks.
2. SaxoVtr_lee Newbie Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 22 Black Saxo 1.6 VTR

   #2 10th November 2010, 17:18

   personally i would go to a garage and get them checked out. i am all up for work myself etc but when it coems to breaks i never mess with them. i personally dont think its worth risking and could lead to serious injury/death if they fail mate and your travelling at high speed... doesnt cost that much .. some places even do FREE break checks. could be somethign so simple and a simple break change doesnt cost that much either to be fair...
3. SaxoVtr_lee Newbie Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 22 Black Saxo 1.6 VTR

   #3 10th November 2010, 17:20

   and i ment brakes not breaks lmao..... jsut woke up
4. Jamestvaughan Frequent Poster Joined: Feb 2010 Swansea Posts: 664 Audi A3 1.9 Tdi 2008

   #4 10th November 2010, 17:55

   that happened to me, but ignored it. 2 weeks later, i was doing 40mph down a road, brakes went completely and i skidded accross a very dangerous road (because i was about to hit traffic) turns out all my breaks had gone because the brake fluid cable was broken. instead of paying 20 quid for a new cable, i payed 300 for new breaks including the master cylinder. get it sorted mate, could kill you
5. darrenk L-plater Joined: Oct 2009 kingsbridge, devon Posts: 34 205 1.9 gti 106 gti integra type r civic type r

   #5 10th November 2010, 19:38

   Yeah I need to get it sorted as it's my mrs car and I'm teaching her to drive in it. Obviously not while it's like this. It's my second car as I drive an integra type r dc5 so think I shall just have a quick look over it tomorrow and see if it is anything obvious.
   
   Just didn't no if anyone had this problem before but I'll defiantly check the whole system for any leaks. Anyone else have any ideas what it might be as where I live garages are expensive and the reasonable ones are about 45 mins from me and I don't want to drive it far just incase.
   
   Thanks for the replies so far everyone.
6. chinkostu Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2008 The wrong carpark Posts: 5152 Xantia 1.9TD

   #6 10th November 2010, 19:43

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by Jamestvaughan that happened to me, but ignored it. 2 weeks later, i was doing 40mph down a road, brakes went completely and i skidded accross a very dangerous road (because i was about to hit traffic) turns out all my breaks had gone because the brake fluid cable was broken. instead of paying 20 quid for a new cable, i payed 300 for new breaks including the master cylinder. get it sorted mate, could kill you

   brake fluid cable?!
   
   ehh?
   
   just probably happened to be a buggered brake pipe. doesn't need the whole system changing, you can bleed master cylinders!
7. islander1985 L-plater Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 75

   #7 10th November 2010, 21:03

   if you havnt already? check the brake fluid level and brake pad wear.
8. darrenk L-plater Joined: Oct 2009 kingsbridge, devon Posts: 34 205 1.9 gti 106 gti integra type r civic type r

   #8 10th November 2010, 23:32

   Well haven't got round to looking at it yet but I no the front discs are fine as I only changed them about 3 months ago.
9. darrenk L-plater Joined: Oct 2009 kingsbridge, devon Posts: 34 205 1.9 gti 106 gti integra type r civic type r

   #9 11th November 2010, 20:39

   Well got round to having a look today and when I took off the nearside hub the pads on the shoes were not even attached to the shoes so bought some new ones today.
   
   Does anyone no if there is a guide on here to change the rear shoes as haven't got a Haynes manual and no spare cash?
10. islander1985 L-plater Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 75

    #10 12th November 2010, 16:48

    disc brake or drum brake?
11. Predator_R32p Super Moderator Joined: Mar 2003 Durham (England) Posts: 37932 1. AX 2. Mk2 Saxo VTR 3. MK4 R32 DBP

    #11 12th November 2010, 17:33

    its a furio so i imagine its drum brake
12. VJOFurio Frequent Poster Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 641

    #12 12th November 2010, 19:04

    I've seen a very similar problem with drum brakes on a Saxo (handbrake being loose then tight, brake pedal being slack and then normal etc)
    The problem in this case was that the handbrake had been applied in freezing temperatures, the car had moved off with the handbrake siezed on at the off side rear wheel - the surface of the brake shoe in the drum had come apart from the plate. The rear brakes have a balance mechanism, so if one rear brake is faulty and can only apply limited braking force, the other side will apply an equal amount of friction on the shoe (to avoid sideways action) and making the brakes seem alot less effective.
    
    Darren, either take both drums apart and replace damaged shoes, or get it looked at by a mechanic because as stated, it's not safe.
    
    Hope this helps you and others,
    
    Tom
13. VJOFurio Frequent Poster Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 641

    #13 12th November 2010, 19:18

    
14. Ellisg93 Infrequent Poster Joined: Oct 2010 Leicester Posts: 184 Saxo 1.1 R reg! 1991 Honda Civic (4G)

    #14 13th November 2010, 00:41

    Try bleeding your brakes bro, and use the self adjusters in the rear drums so they dont spin freely when you put the drum back on and theres a LITTLE bit of resistence.