Seized front brakes?

[Battlecat]

Having not used the T350 for a couple of weeks i thought i'd take it out for a run to make sure the battery is ok. But i couldn't move it as the front brakes appear to be clamped on. It's not the usual issue of the rear brakes sticking momentarily due to a bit of corrosion and i think its the front but can't be sure.

Any thoughts/help/ideas gratefully appreciated?

Ollie

[tail slide]

If brake discs were wet when garaged this, can happen - I have had on another car (and on a clutch). Can't be anything else if it's front wheels. Could it be rears? If so was handbrake left on?

In either event, you need to break the adhesion between pads and discs.

IMO won't do any damage warming engine up a bit then holding it above idle speed so it doesn't stall and moving the car. The tyres won't skid for long, if at all.

[macca666]

Either that or tow it.

[Battlecat]

Thanks for the replies.

I left it to warm up and then tried to move it, but only managed to move it about 6 inches to a foot before deciding that it hadn't worked. Reversed it back again to see if that would help but it didn't.

Guess i'll have to call the AA and if they can't sort it get it on a low loader to the Garage. That will also be a problem dragging it onto the ramp.

[Daftlad]

If its the fronts, the pads can be separated from the disc using heavy pliers that have the gripping part at about 60 degrees to the handles...not sure of te name. The lug on the pad can used to pull or push the pad away from the disc. (had it happen on a T350 when almost new)

[Battlecat]

Daftlad said:

If its the fronts, the pads can be separated from the disc using heavy pliers that have the gripping part at about 60 degrees to the handles...not sure of te name. The lug on the pad can used to pull or push the pad away from the disc. (had it happen on a T350 when almost new)

Something like these?

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/37966/Hand-Tools/Pli...

Sounds like it could be a great help. Thanks

[supercrispy]

Assuming this was due to the car being parked-up when the discs were still damp/wet, I have had this happen a few times, does't seem to need much moisture to cause it. Realise this comment isn't much help at the moment but if I know I've parked-up in this situation, I go in the garage very next day and rock the car (usually grab the spiders rather than push the bodywork) to free them, before they get too stuck, move the car a few inchs so the pads are in a different location on the disc, then they're ok. Just an idea for 'next time'

[VARLEYHYD]

Daftlad said:

If its the fronts, the pads can be separated from the disc using heavy pliers that have the gripping part at about 60 degrees to the handles...not sure of the name. The lug on the pad can used to pull or push the pad away from the disc. (had it happen on a T350 when almost new)

John, you mean you don't get the hairdryer out to dry the discs when they get wet, surely

Graham

[Daftlad]

VARLEYHYD said:

Daftlad said:

If its the fronts, the pads can be separated from the disc using heavy pliers that have the gripping part at about 60 degrees to the handles...not sure of the name. The lug on the pad can used to pull or push the pad away from the disc. (had it happen on a T350 when almost new)

John, you mean you don't get the hairdryer out to dry the discs when they get wet, surely

Graham

Wet...how does that happen - surely you're not suggesting

Car was out for a run Tuesday








But is was on a trailer. (off for yet another 12K service)

[Battlecat]

Just to up-date, i tried again last night and success!

After warming it up and trying to move it backwards and forwards on the clutch, then I decided to get out and see if I could identify which calliper was stuck by trying to turn each alloy by hand to roll the car. You can really get a good grip on these Spiders! So I went round each wheel and decided that it was the drivers side front. But it actually freed up while I was having a go at the passenger side. So took it out for a long run and all's well. But seeing as I'd booked it in at the garage and it's due a service I drove it there this morning. I guess it was just a build of of corrosion on the disk after washing it and not using it for almost 2 weeks.

Thanks all.

[tamore]

Battlecat said:

Just to up-date, i tried again last night and success!

After warming it up and trying to move it backwards and forwards on the clutch, then I decided to get out and see if I could identify which calliper was stuck by trying to turn each alloy by hand to roll the car. You can really get a good grip on these Spiders! So I went round each wheel and decided that it was the drivers side front. But it actually freed up while I was having a go at the passenger side. So took it out for a long run and all's well. But seeing as I'd booked it in at the garage and it's due a service I drove it there this morning. I guess it was just a build of of corrosion on the disk after washing it and not using it for almost 2 weeks.

Thanks all.

maybe it was some sort of protest by 'battlecat' at now being used a la herbie?

[Battlecat]

tamore said:

maybe it was some sort of protest by 'battlecat' at now being used a la herbie?

Excuse my stupidness, but what does "a la herbie" mean?

[tamore]

tamore said:

Battlecat said:

Just to up-date, i tried again last night and success!

After warming it up and trying to move it backwards and forwards on the clutch, then I decided to get out and see if I could identify which calliper was stuck by trying to turn each alloy by hand to roll the car. You can really get a good grip on these Spiders! So I went round each wheel and decided that it was the drivers side front. But it actually freed up while I was having a go at the passenger side. So took it out for a long run and all's well. But seeing as I'd booked it in at the garage and it's due a service I drove it there this morning. I guess it was just a build of of corrosion on the disk after washing it and not using it for almost 2 weeks.

Thanks all.

maybe it was some sort of protest by 'battlecat' at not being used, a la herbie?

edited for keyboard cack handedness!

[Battlecat]

tamore said:

tamore said:

maybe it was some sort of protest by 'battlecat' at not being used, a la herbie?

edited for keyboard cack handedness!

Oh, i get it now. Maybe soon it'll fall for some Italian exotica being driven by a hot girl!!

[Pixi]

I live in Scotland (i.e. wet, salty roads) and drive all year round. I always park in the garage with the handbrake off and in gear.

If its wet or damp, as I near home I always brake heavily from speed to get some heat in the discs to evaporate any moisture before parking up. I've never had any problems with pads sticking when doing this. Just make sure no one is too close behind when you do this..........