Handbrake stuck on one drum and other leaking brake fluid

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sssu1
Posts: 11
Joined: 19 Aug 2016 01:05 pm
Location: Finland

Handbrake stuck on one drum and other leaking brake fluid

Post by sssu1 » 23 Aug 2016 12:20 pm

Hi,

My 340GL has had problems with this before, the lever behind the drum which releases handbrake on the right rear drum brake does not return to its released state. I've fixed it once by opening the drum and hammering and oiling the lever and other components until it moves properly again, but now the problem appeared again and the drum heats seriously when driving. I can hammer and oil it back to working, but I'd like to fix it for good, any ideas what should I do?

Also I've been noticing that my break fluid light lights up when accelerating, so I topped the brake fluid container up but it keeps draining maybe 1dl per month. Also the left drum brake is full of Vaseline like grease, which I assume is thickened brake fluid. Does this mean my brake cylinder is leaking and I should replace it?

Thanks in advance!
1990 1.7 Volvo 340GL — 68k driven

360beast
Posts: 873
Joined: 27 Dec 2013 08:40 pm

Re: Handbrake stuck on one drum and other leaking brake flui

Post by 360beast » 23 Aug 2016 01:40 pm

I would say something is leaking in to your left drum, I would also check all of the brake pipes to see if any are leaking.

The handbrake mechanism will probably need replacing on your right hand drum, see if You can get one from a breakers as I doubt you will be able to find one new.

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bogbasic
Posts: 1861
Joined: 21 Nov 2004 10:12 pm
Location: New Malden, Surrey.
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Re: Handbrake stuck on one drum and other leaking brake flui

Post by bogbasic » 23 Aug 2016 02:03 pm

Copper grease on the lever mechanism should stop it seizing up again.
1988 340 1.4 GL, 218k, 5 door (Grey Bess). Gone to CBA.
1991 340 1.7 GL, 64k, 5 door, petrol blue (Deep Blue).
1988 360 2.0 GLE, 140k, 5 door, ocean blue metallic (Blue Bess).
1989 340 1.7 GL, 108k, 3 door (Red Ness).
More info here!

Ride_on
Posts: 2262
Joined: 26 May 2009 05:34 pm
Location: Belfast, N. Ireland

Re: Handbrake stuck on one drum and other leaking brake flui

Post by Ride_on » 23 Aug 2016 07:58 pm

Take the lever off completely and work penetrating fluid into it continuously by moving it back and forth until rust coloured fluid stops comming out or its nice and loose. It can get quite tight with age and compressed rust powder.
1980 345 DL_______1987 360 GLE (project car restored to GLT spec and B230FT'd)
1984 360 GLT______1987 360 GLT
1983 360 GLS______1989 360 GLE
1985 340 GL_______1986 340 1.4
1985 360 GLS______1995 940 SE 2.3 Turbo Estate (daily)
1987 340 GL 1.7

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