Handbrake sticking

P

Phil-E30

Active member
Evening all,

Every time I leave the handbrake on for any prolonged period of time, it sticks really badly and has to be shocked free by moving the car either forwards or backwards.

I'm guessing it'll either be the caliper or the cable. Are either of these common issues or has anyone else experienced this?

Thanks
 
The handbrake doesn't work off the caliper, it has a drum with shoes..

Have them cleaned out and see if it helps....
 
What do you call a long period of time ?
Mine is unashamedly a garage king and goes for very long periods without moving.
To prevent this I always leave it in the garage out of gear no handbrake and a brick under the back wheel.
 
I'm having a similar problem at the moment, at the last MOT one of my advisories was a slight bind on the offside rear, and I've also been having the 'double yank' handbrake issue. Now every time I use the handbrake it feels as if the offside rear is sticking/rubbing etc, not sure on best course of action
 
My handbrake sticks, too, if left for some time - say a week and there has been some inclement weather during that time. My solution, like others, is to just leave it in gear (which I'd do with the handbrake applied in any event) when parked. The brakes do still occasionally get stuck on requiring a rock back and forth, but this requires a longer period being stood still and happens after there has been a lot of moisture in the air. It helps if I can coast the last few yards before coming to a stop to park without using the brakes. Bit of a ramble but hopefully that is intelligible and useful, might work for you, too. :driving:
Stevo
 
Thanks for the replies guys.

That's interesting to hear about the caliper as I have definitely heard someone mention their caliper being replaced to resolve sticking handbrake issues?

I work away 4 days a week, so the car sits for 4-5 days without being driven. However, even after driving it again, the handbrake will still be sticking the following morning. Doesn't seem to be solely down to the amount of time the car sits.

My main concern is that something is behaving as it shouldn't, I know that weather, lack of driving etc can have an impact, but ultimately the handbrake is working in a manner that isn't correct which bugs me.

I will take in to consideration some of the advice given here, definitely need to sort it though, does my head in! :headbang:
 
There are little mud flaps ahead of the rear wheels that help protect the rear brakes from road spray - make sure they're both intact. They live a hard life - on my 180K mile E46 the nearside one has needed replacing twice due to damage from stones, road debris etc.

If the handbrake is only used once the car has come to a complete stop the corrosion on the drum will become problematic. BMW actually states "To avoid corrosion and prevent the brakes from pulling to one side, apply the handbrake lightly from time to time when coasting to a standstill, provided that it is safe to do so."
 
monaco_blue said:
There are little mud flaps ahead of the rear wheels that help protect the rear brakes from road spray - make sure they're both intact. They live a hard life - on my 180K mile E46 the nearside one has needed replacing twice due to damage from stones, road debris etc.

If the handbrake is only used once the car has come to a complete stop the corrosion on the drum will become problematic. BMW actually states "To avoid corrosion and prevent the brakes from pulling to one side, apply the handbrake lightly from time to time when coasting to a standstill, provided that it is safe to do so."
Click to expand...

Interesting, will give this a go :thumbsup:
 
This issue persisted until yesterday it simply would not budge at all. After further inspection today, the near side rear shoe is absolutely buggered. Replacement shoes it is.

Question, who make the OEM shoes? Also, is there anywhere to buy them online? I can only find a set on ebay and they are around £25, but they want to charge £28 postage to NI!!

Thanks guys
 
Mine was sticking a bit then I pulled the lever a few times whilst on the move and it has not happened since.
 
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