handbrake binding rear brakes

[krisby]

I've noticed what feels like the rear calipers binding after the handbrake has been applied, particularly when backing out of my drive, it feels like the rears are on ever so slightly, so much so it doesn't always roll out of my drive, plus the build up of brake dust on my rear alloys rather than the fronts as you would normally expect.

This morning felt particularly bad, I could feel the car load up on the rears a few times, like the handbrake was on, I did try applying and releasing a few times, even did an emergency stop to try and get the brakes full compressed but that didn't appear to work, though after sitting on the M4 in <5mph traffic eventually it felt like it had cleared, or maybe I was used to it.

Another indicator is my fuel economy is only 35.1 mpg.

To me though, this does not sound like a handbrake failure, or part of the recall, as that is about failure is it not? whereas it just seems mine is releasing properly.

[John LE]

Sounds like one (or both) of your calipers has seized.

Get them stripped down and remove the rubber sleeve the slider goes into. The caliper corrodes tightening up on the slides thus causing the brakes to bind.

At worst you'll need a couple of recon calipers

[m8internet]

Sounds like one (or both) of your calipers has seized
Get them stripped down

Before you do that, have the issue investigated
First thing is to get the rear on a ramp and test both the handbrake and foot brake
A visual inspection of the brake pads will also confirm whether the issue is the caliper or handbrake
If two pads are worn on one side, it is that specific caliper
If it is both inside pads, it is the handbrake

I would also be concerned about excessive brake dust on the rears, compared to the front
What type of pads have been fitted in the past?

Equally, lifespan of rear pads is not very long, compared to front pads
Even if only half worn they can be dreadful and a new set can solve a simple problem like this

[krisby]

Thanks, I'm going to book in for a camber change this weekend so might try and get them to look at this then too.

[signumboy]

Had the same issue with mine ended up with both callipers being replaced

[krisby]

Had the same issue with mine ended up with both callipers being replaced

Was it pricey? Mind you, I do have a warranty, so if I can find an approved garage that is convenient to work or home then I could just use that

[John LE]

Recon calipers are about 50 quid a side and i'd be reckoning on having to fit new pads and discs too plus maybe and hour or so for labour

[signumboy]

Was it pricey? Mind you, I do have a warranty, so if I can find an approved garage that is convenient to work or home then I could just use that

As John says think i paid garage £90 + rip off tax and an hours labour that was for one side were meant to do both but could only get one calliper so i ended up getting one from dealers for a little over £60 and fitted it myself

[m8internet]

Thanks, I'm going to book in for a camber change this weekend so might try and get them to look at this then too.

I would suggest you have this inspection done before the camber change
If the camber change is performed first then it might be a waste of time and money as the brake assembly is stripped down later thus throwing the camber out again (components disconnected then reconnected for ease of access)