Rear brakes sticking when driving.

[convertibled]

My rear brakes stick slightly when I brake normally. The handbrake works fine when stationary or even if I try it whilst driving. The brakes stick sometimes when I am driving normally and I have found I can release them by tugging the handbrake or by stopping and reversing or sometimes they release themselves after a few seconds. When I park the handbrake is about 3/4 way up on its movement to be tight. I have checked that the shoes are in the right way round. Any ideas?

[Trickydicky]

You could have a collapsed rear flexible brake hose which is creating back pressure in the system. Do you know when it was last replaced?
For the cost I would replace it as a matter of course. It could also be sticking rear cylinders but try the hose first.

[johngrigg]

Also check that the rear cylinders are free to slide in their slots. I have had similar symptoms and that turned out to be the cause, 5 minutes with a file fixed a problem that had persisted for years

[convertibled]

You were absolutely right johngrigg!
When I stripped the cylinders from the back plate it was obvious they had been struggling to slide. It didn't help that when I had done my rebuild last year I had not removed the paint around that area. I also fitted new cylinders which were not flat at all where they made contact with the back plate. These are the before and after my use of a file on the contact area of the new cylinder. (sorry they are not clear)
Thanks again, it has completely got rid of my frustration when driving in traffic!

IMG_2829.JPG (91.65 KiB) Viewed 1965 times

IMG_2830.JPG (113.28 KiB) Viewed 1965 times

[ManyMinors]

They are not Minor 1000 wheel cylinders which might also add to your difficulties........
Have you replaced them at some time or were they fitted prior to your ownership?

[StillGotMy1stCar]

I think you have a Marina back axle on your car with the correct cylinders.
Regards John

[philthehill]

Well spotted that man

They are indeed Morris Marina/Ital.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/REAR-BRAKE-CY ... loA3IP4Mbg

[amgrave]

And they were fitted to the Escort MK1 back brakes as well.

[philthehill]

Searching the web it appears that the Marina/Ital wheel cylinder had a 17.5mm dia piston whilst the the Mk 1 Escort had a 19mm dia piston.
So if the measurements quoted above are correct & even though they may look the same outwardly they may not be the same internally.

convertibled
I would be interested to know what axle is fitted to your car.

Phil

[johngrigg]

Glad to hear you got it fixed. The Minor has enough problems overcoming its own inertia without adding dragging brakes into the mix!