Non lotus handbrake question

kerryxeg · Post by **kerryxeg** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 10:27 pm

Could someone with knowledge help fill in the gaps for me.

I've been trying to help a friend out, Mazda 323 failed MOT on rear brake efficiency. Basically handbrake wasn't doing much.

I adjusted the handbrake and got a marginal improvement.
Took out the pads cleaned and greased where they should move and greased and worked free the handbrake lever at the calliper.
One side now works fine, the other just barely works when the handbrake is applied. Both sides lok as though they have about the same movement and both now move freely when the brake is applied.

The footbrake works well both sides.

I'm thinking there is something wrong with the mechanism inside the calliper which should move when the handbrake is applied - correct? Probably caused by the handbrake spring sticking in one position on one side and the mechanism becoming stuck over time.

If so what next, is this repairable to a more experienced person or would you just fit a new calliper?

Any suggestions,

Kerry

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 2:31 am

I would be inclined to find a scrappy and aquire a replacement, sounds like the internals are buggered. Prolly not worth a new part. Have a look at the caliper and see how it operated, give it a good clean and make sure the external bits move as they should. There will be a self adjusting mechanism in there this may have just got stuck. If you cna try and find a service manual, normally they hold the key to many an odd problem.

Good luck!

Rich

kerryxeg · Post by **kerryxeg** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 1:21 pm

Thanks Rich, pretty well the same as my thoughts.

Unfortunately can't find a manual other than the expensive Mazda one. But looks like a sticky corroded piston, so nothing to be lost taking it apart.

Kerry

tenkfeet · Post by **tenkfeet** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 3:02 pm

You can get a Mazda 6 pdf manual on the web . Would it be the same design of caliper ?

thinfourth · Post by **thinfourth** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 4:44 pm

If it is drums you might find there is some self adjusting thing that ain't adjusting.

Normally you can see the bugger through an access hole in which case you can wind it up with a screw driver normally it is some kind of toothed wheel