[Toby Mack]

My '93 2.0Lpt has just failed its MOT as the handbrake is not working on one wheel. The Caliper appears to be siezed. (ie. no movement on handbrake level at all). Caliper works from foot brake fine.

Has anyone experienced this problem? Is it worth stripping the caliper or should I just get a recon one?

Toby

 

[mpen]

Its very common Toby, sometimes you can free them off Ive had a couple of recon/s/hand ones fitted around £40 each....new around £90

 

[Toby Mack]

Thanks mpen.

I've just been looking at eurocarparts. Recon caliper is £60 but I will shop around.

They also list a "rear caliper adjustment kit" for £16. Any idea what this is (my haynes manual is at home!) and will I need it?

 

[mpen]

Try 01254 830119 they might have one

 

[Toby Mack]

Thanks mpen. I've just ordered a recon one from GSF. Might not be the cheapest (£59+) but they are 3 miles away so I can pick it up in the morning!

 

[mutungi]

Try cleaning it with Brake Cleaner spray in generous amounts....sometimes caliper is ok but it is just stuck over time with grime, etc.

 

[adrian]

The rear caliper adjustment kit is the allen headed grub screw that you turn to adjust the handbrake. Its just like a grub screw, held in by a small snap ring, on its OD is a thread which does the adjusting. Its this thread that gets damaged hence no handbrake. Check handbrake cable is moving the arm on the caliper. If it is see if turning the screw (theres a plastic cap over it) gives any adjustment, if not replace this screw first (providing rest of caliper OK - i.e. no weeping fluid)

 

[Toby Mack]

Thanks Guys,

Braking force (as measured by MOT) is down by 15% that side as well so I think I will still go the recon route. If I had more time (I'm supposed to be fixing Lotus brakes this weekend, not Saab ones!) I think following your advice might have saved me some money

 

[Toby Mack]

well, that will teach me to make assumptions about faults....

Found out over the weekend that the reason the handbrake did not work was the caliper adjustment was way out and the cable was not attached to the handbrake! I just hope German and swedish will refund me on the caliper I have not used!