Re: '91 200Q hand brake sticking

[Preston Brown <pbrown@econ.yale.edu>]

On Sun, 5 Apr 1998, rlpplsky wrote:

> The hand brake on my '91 200Q is not fully releasing.  I have noticed for a
> few days that the lever has had 1" of play, but today after washing the car,
> there was much more play and the brakes are dragging severely.  I am afraid
> to drive the car for fear of wrecking the rear brakes, starting the car on
> fire, etc.

Get under the car.  Find the mechanical part of the caliper that is
actuated with the handbrake cable.  Gently (but you'll have to use *some*
force) tap it with a hammer, and it will release.  Likely it's just bound
up and a little rusted, so it is sticking.  This solution is temporary
most likely, as if you use the handbrake again the problem will likely
re-occur.  Anyone know the DIY permanent solution?

---
 -Preston Brown
  preston.brown@yale.edu