Oooopppps another issue. I spoke too soon about the car.

I dont know if it's me. But when I drive the car it feels as if the brakes are holding the car back. When I free-wheel it loses speed very quickly and seems sluggish to pull away. Is it just me??? Is there any test I can make??

Any help would be much appreciated

easy test is to drive along for a while without braking then coast to a stop and check all the wheels for a hot one.

Ususlly its the brake pads seized into the carrier.

...or a caliper siezed on its slides, or the handbrake not fully releasing even when the lever's right down.

The handbrake should show up as a slack cable if you look under the car with the HB off.

I always check for binding brakes by stopping the car, then move away very slowly (5mph), dip the clutch and allow it to roll to a standstill. If the brakes are binding, you will feel it 'pull up' rather than eventually come to a rest. The calipers are easy to strip down, but it is also worth checking that the sliding pins are perfectly straight. When I changed my pads, I pushed the piston back home into the caliper but I didn't realise I was loading the pin. Result - a slightly bent sliding pin and binding brakes. Bit of a school boy error, I've since purchased a proper wind back tool. The pins are easy to remove and check for straightness. As another member has said, the pads can stick in the carrier so it's worth checking they are sitting flush against the disc, and that they are easily removed.

Russ.

Thanks Guys.

Will take it to garage tom. Dont feel confident playing around with brakes, and get a diagnosis. Will post results

Just got a call from the garage. Gearbox moulding has gone. Would that be it???

What the deuce do they mean by a "gearbox moulding"? It's not a normal term in this context, except in relation to the foundry tools that the gear housing is cast in.

Apparently one side of the gearbox housing in the bottom had broken. If the other side had gone the box would have fallen out.

Cost £45 including parts and labour. Car is now fine.

Well, if they've fixed it and it was that price, no real issues.

From what you're saying, I think that the gearbox mainshaft could have been fractionally out of line with the crankshaft, and suffering excess friction as a result.

Well it was fixed, but the problem still persists. Car feels as if its pulling on the passenger front. God only knows

Anyone have any ideas. Or is it just me. Did the brake test as advised. Checked the tyres all have some minor heat but nothing major.

Going to York on Wednesday in her, and I don't want to break down!!

Edited 31 October, 201114 yr by dyljones

does sound like s sticking caliper to me.

does sound like s sticking caliper to me.

Thanks. Are they difficult to check / do.

Could I do it??

How do I do It

If the car's pulling left, I'd put my money on the LHF. To check, take the wheel off, and look to see if one brake pad is more worn than the other. Fixing it is easy to do if you know how to change brake pads.

To see if one brake is sticking on, jack the car up and spin the wheel, if it's that side you'll feel it's dragging or difficult to turn