At 11:18 PM 5/22/98 UT, doug russell wrote:
>Pete,
>
>We all make this mistake once (or in my case several times) and hopefully
you
>now know *not* to leave the emergency brake on when storing or leaving the
car
>for any period of time - next time just leave it in gear.
Thanks! I'm learning....
>
>Now, what should you do?? Well the last time I did this I got away with
>tapping the handbrake lever on the rear drums a few times with the BFH and
>they released. The time before that I just rode the clutch and rocked in
>first and reverse and the brakes eventually freed up (this is essentially
the
>lazy man's method). Usually, all it takes it a bit of a shock to the rear
>drums to get things freed up.
Yep. that worked. Tapping on the handbrake arm freed up one side and
tapping on the drum freed up the other.
I suppose you could also loosen up the rear
>brake adjusters (do midgets have these?) and see if that helps.
Yes, midgets have them. They're square-headed nuts behind the wheel.
In the
>unlikely event that the brakes are really frozen you are going to have to
>disassemble, replace any questionable parts (linings, wheel cylinders) and
put
>it all back together - but I doubt that you have that problem.
Well, in the process of inspecting the brakes for trouble, I did find a
damaged rubber boot on one of the wheel cylinders. Leaking quite a bit of
fluid. Not sure if I'm up to the job. I'm a real novice, and this looks
both messy and critical.
Thanks again for the help. I really appreciate the patience.
Pete
>From: owner-mgs@autox.team.net On Behalf Of pete schuhmann
>Sent: Saturday, August 22, 1998 2:59 PM
>To: mgs@autox.team.net
>Subject: stuck brakes
>
>Started my 76 midget for the first time in 3 weeks. Released the emergency
>brake to take it for a much needed drive, but the brake is still engaged.
>The brake pedal is much harder than usual. Like trying to drive with the
>brakes on. Obviously not driveable. The emergency brake handle always was a
>bit loose (did not catch enough to hold the car still till the very top),
>so its hard to tell if there is more or less play there. Any ideas as to
>what to do? I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to this stuff. Thanks in
>advance.
>
>Pete Schuhmann
>76 Midget 1500
>Richmond, VA
>
>
>
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