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!

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.

Copper grease on the lever mechanism should stop it seizing up again.

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.