Handbrake Problem

[SJandMR2]

Hi

My car is nearly 1 yr old and 20k on the clock, never had any problems with (other than those I have caused myself ) But had a bit of a problem yesterday, parked on bottom end of steep hill, car had been left parked for about 20 mins after I had done an hours journey home, was sat in car hand brake fully locked and keys not in engine when all of a sudden we rolled backward, managed to notice (I was deeply enrgossed reading something) and slammed footbrake only yards for the main busy road. Checked handbrake and was still locked fully. I dont generally put in gear but will be doing so from now on, did a test in trying to move off with handbrake on and was able to do so, so I think the brake needs some adjustment?

Anyway I have phone Mr T today and they were very helpful and have arranged for my car to be looked at asap, and will also be doing my 20k service at the same time where they strip all the brakes anyway and replace fluid (£187!). They are also going to look at my glove box and the rear seat covers as well.

Someone mentioned on another forum that it could have been the brakes contrating with heat, which seems plausable but I dont like to think that I am relying on leaving it in first gear from stopping it rolling? Anyone else had this?

SJx

[T V O R]

As the brakes cool down they may contract enough to lose their grip. I always leave my car in gear when I park so effectively you would have 4 wheels locked.

[Cokeman]

How many "clicks" does your handbrake come up? The norm should be 3 -4 max. Any more than that and your rear brakes may need adjusting. Personally I have manually adjusted mine so that it gets 2 clicks at most, which also makes the brake pedal firmer. (No I haven't adjusted it on the cable, but at the shoes themselves).

[Lister2020]

Ive gotten into the !Removed! stupid habit of driving off and only putting my handbrake down a little bit so it is still engaged. Unless it is the whole way up the car will roll slowly on a hill.