Parking Brake

[rajeshk]

Hello everyone,

I have a Toyota Corolla CE 1997. I had its brakes replaced about a week back. I am not sure about all the details of components replaced but I do know that the rear brake shoes and drums and the front rotors were replaced.

Yesterday, I (being a new driver and not very careful) drove with my parking brakes on for about 11 miles - I know, I know, it was the dumbest thing to have done but the deed is done and I am just curious to know how such abuse of brakes affects the car. Does is just reduce the brake life (I had recent new brakes) or does it lead to other gross damage?

Thanks for any comments,

Rajesh

[Saltrampen]

I guess most will know this,

But driving with brakes engaged creates excessive heat, which will

possibly warp drums and discs.

With a new disc or drum, it should be more resistant to this, but only to a point.

It will certainly lead to less lifetime from pads and shoes. It maybe that the surfaces have also become glazed (ie. less effective)

Was the parking brake full on or just on lightly? - this will make a difference as well. Most Corollas should have a dashboard light indicating that the parking brake is engaged. Normally when brakes are jammed on hard, you notice a

burning smell when you drive along!

Anyway when you brake hard, if anything is warped, you will notice a juddering

from one or more of the wheels.

Many garage workshops will inspect brakes for free or for a small charge, they should be able to measure the rear drum diameter at different points to look for any warping. It may be possible to skim out (machine) minor warping..again this should not cost too much. With Brakes it is always better to get them checked than not if you think any damage may have occured.

Saltrampen