'clunking' Noise From Hand Brake

[Mampara]

I have a Ford Mondeo & recently after I have activated the
hand brake I have noticed that the next time I drive away there is
a noise which I am describing as a clunk.

Any suggestions what could be causing the problem? Is it the
brake cable ?

As someone useless with cars I would appreciate any advice.

[derekpara]

As a former Mondeo owner its sounds to me as if it's the rear brake pads releasing from the disc after you move off after a period of inactivity. Is the car unused for a few days ?

D

[Togo]

Brake pads sticking on para. The brake cable sticks on some Mondeos. It will ruin the pads if not sorted, and then the discs when they are grooved by the metal pad holders. The pads get ripped off as you pull away with them stuck on.

[Mampara]

Yes I only use the car a couple of times a week to do some
shopping & chores.

What do you suggest I do about the brake pads releasing?

Many thanks.

[Togo]

Oy am I talking to the para regiment? Haha.

[Mampara]

Thanks Togo.

[Togo]

If it is safe and off road(your drive say) leave it in gear with the hand brake off. Do not do this if you are parked on even the slightest incline.

[Togo]

The hand brake will not stick on if you are only parked in town say for a few hours, but will if parked overnight.

[Mampara]

Good advice - thanks again Togo I'll do as you suggest.

[Togo]

Then when you have the next service get it looked at. It was a Ford modification on some models. I think it was a cable guide down at the back under the exhaust pipe.

[derekpara]

Not the whole regiment, Togo. Just an old ex member !

D

[Clanad]

While admittedly unfamiliar with this model of Ford (I'm in the U.S.) here's a link that contains some photos of the offending mechanism:

http://www.talkford.com/community/topic/94676-handbrake-only-working-on-one-side/

The point though, is this can be potentially very serious if the brake isn't releasing properly due to the possible heat caused by the unreleased brake pads.

Just to emphasize the points already made, if you don't have the car repaired immediately, the next time you drive it you should check to see if either one (or both) of the rear wheels feels overly warm or even hot to the touch which would indicate an unreleased mechanism. If so... this is bad news fire wise and possible damage to the entire wheel assemble. Please check it soon...

[Mampara]

Thanks Clanad

Seems to be more serious than I thought.

[Togo]

I would not panic para. The clunk you hear is the pads releasing from the disc. It would be like driving with your handbrake on. You would feel it at low speed and when in town traffic would possibly stall the car. But clanad is wise to advise getting it checked. Don't though let yourself be hustled into an unnecessary repair bill because of anxiety.

[Mampara]

Thanks again Togo as I was starting to get panicky.

[derekpara]

Sorry, Toga, the penny's just dropped !

Mampara wasn't in my battalion as far as I know !

D

[Togo]

Haha maybe her son.

[Togo]

Ooops or his son.

[tonyav]

Yep, sticky handbrake. Has Togo says the clunk that you hear are the brake pads releasing.

[Togo]

Mampara. tonyav is well known and respected on site for his motoring advice. I asked him to have a quick look at this afternoons posts, which he has very generously done. At least I feel better about my tips.

[Mampara]

Thanks Togo & tonyav.

Car is booked in for tomorrow.