Pete,
We all make this mistake once (or in my case several times) and hopefully you
now know *not* to leave the emergency brake on when storing or leaving the car
for any period of time - next time just leave it in gear.
Now, what should you do?? Well the last time I did this I got away with
tapping the handbrake lever on the rear drums a few times with the BFH and
they released. The time before that I just rode the clutch and rocked in
first and reverse and the brakes eventually freed up (this is essentially the
lazy man's method). Usually, all it takes it a bit of a shock to the rear
drums to get things freed up. I suppose you could also loosen up the rear
brake adjusters (do midgets have these?) and see if that helps. In the
unlikely event that the brakes are really frozen you are going to have to
disassemble, replace any questionable parts (linings, wheel cylinders) and put
it all back together - but I doubt that you have that problem.
Good luck.
Dr. Doug
69 C Rdst
69 C GT
69 B Rdst
76 B Rdst
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-mgs@autox.team.net On Behalf Of pete schuhmann
Sent: Saturday, August 22, 1998 2:59 PM
To: mgs@autox.team.net
Subject: stuck brakes
Started my 76 midget for the first time in 3 weeks. Released the emergency
brake to take it for a much needed drive, but the brake is still engaged.
The brake pedal is much harder than usual. Like trying to drive with the
brakes on. Obviously not driveable. The emergency brake handle always was a
bit loose (did not catch enough to hold the car still till the very top),
so its hard to tell if there is more or less play there. Any ideas as to
what to do? I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to this stuff. Thanks in
advance.
Pete Schuhmann
76 Midget 1500
Richmond, VA
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