Brakes Sticking

[chrissa1]

I have a 55 plate Vauxhall Corsa, diesel.

When I go to start it and move off after it has been standing all night outside, it doesn't want to move, and I have to reverse and pull forward again until there's a small bang, and off we go.

Is this the brakes binding or does it sound like the hand brake, sticking?

[tonyav]

Sounds like the brake shoes are sticking, chrissa. Probably due to the manky damp weather. To put your mind at rest you could get them and the hand brake mechanism checked out at a local garage.

[bhg481]

Try parking without the handbrake unless you are on a steep hill. Leave it in first or reverse and point the wheels to the kerb.

[chrissa1]

Thanks, guys.

[Hopkirk]

A regular Vauxhall problem.

Brake dust and water makes a nice glue, and a bit of rust helps bind the whole thing together. Always worst after heavy rain or driving through a big puddle.

Short term solution is as Bhg suggests, park in gear and don't apply the handbrake too hard.

Longer term is to get someone to clean out the brake drums.

[tonyav]

Used to happen regularly to an old neighbour of ours with his old Astra van, he was forever banging the rear wheels ( hub area ) with an hide mallet.

[Hopkirk]

You can scare the bejaysus out of a pedestrian, when you rock it backwards and forwards.

When really bad the back of the car rises up as you reverse, then it releases with a hell of a bang.

[thelewisgang]

I recently had this happen with my little oldish Suzuki Alto. I asked my local garage & they advised me not to put the handbrake on so hard. Not happened since so guess I was yanking it up too much!

[jomifl]

does it have drum rear brakes?

[chrissa1]

It's the first Vauxhall it ever owned so, thanks for that bit of info about them. I'll try the "no handbrake" method. Cheers.

[jomifl]

When you leave it parked with the handbake off put it in 1st or reverse gear.

[cactusdriver]

If you are in the habit of leaving the car in neutral and now leave it in gear be very careful when starting up!

[Hopkirk]

Simple answer Cactus - always start with clutch pedal depressed.

[cactusdriver]

Yes, but is chrissa1 in the habit of doing this?

[bhg481]

Just out of interest you need to depress the clutch on a Volvo (and a SAAB, I think) before it will attempt to start. Isn't this a sensible safety feature? In any case, depressing the clutch disconnects the engine from the gearbox and makes it easier to turn-over the engine (no drag from the gearbox oil).

[derekpara]

bhg. Nissan and Hyundai are the same. I think it a very sensible safety feature.

[chrissa1]

Thanks for the parking advice, guys. I always put my handbrake on, AND leave it in 1st gear when I park. There's no way I would ever park with nothing holding the car. :/ Or, not depress the clutch or check its in neutral, before starting it.

[cactusdriver]

@chrissa1

Please accept my apologies for doubting you, I'm afraid I was being rather sexist in my comments.

[chrissa1]

Apology accepted, cactusdriver.