MOT failure!

[fergusgorman]

Hi guys,
Just had my 350i in for MOT.Enjoyed the drive to the garage first proper drive since last year. Handbrake failed. Suprise suprise! Passenger side holding no problem on test but drivers side showing no resistance...none!Pads and discs are fine and adjusted fully. Would appear that the linkage on one side is very stiff even seized. Garage mechanic reckons the drive shaft have to be removed to gain access. Looks like he could be right. Any comments or hints guys. Much appreciated.

Fergus

P.S Thanks to Tim for supplying a great exhaust. Sounds superb.

[danny hoffman]

You can strip it all off without removing the driveshaft.

[wedg1e]

Agreed. Mechanic is talking horse s*it. The handbrake is actually a separate caliper sat on top of the hydraulic caliper. From memory there are only two bolts holding the thing on; maybe 4 but hardly an insurmountable task.

Ian

[streaky]

When I had a h/brake problem, it turned out to be a missing pad!!! - Streaky

[adam quantrill]

I would slacken both adjusting screws off on
both sides to give some play, then try squirting
in some WD40 to the 'siezed' side, also around where
the bolts hold it onto the diff. Then jiggle it around and see if it frees up. If not, yes it's 2 long
pins that hold each side on, when you get it off
remove the cover plate and grease inside with High
Temp grease. You don't need to remove anything else
but I have found this job much easier with the diff
off the car!!!

Pads can fall off as well so check for that before
going the whole hog and removing it.

See my other post for a source of pads!

Mine if for the MOT tomorrow - handbrake adjusted - so
fingers crossed!

[dickymint]

Shouldn't be telling you this, but the guy I take the 350 to, does not like the idea of having to fix them so for the past 3 times he hasn't failed them!!!