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Rabu, 16 Juni 2010

hand brake usage

I remember reading somewhere about hand brake usage, if we use it for longer duration it can give problem. I've no clue what kind of problem. That's why I was under the impression that we should avoid engaging hand brake for longer durations.

But many friends here are suggesting and used it without any problem. Then I've checked my Palio Stile user manual for any info and incidentally I've found the same is suggested there proving me wrong.

Sorry guys for putting my wrong opinion here and thanks for correcting me.

No problems in using the handbrakes for long duration, as longs the brake pads are dry, and the car is parked under roof. If there is moisture in the pads - say after a drive in the rains and if handbrake is used for extended periods (More than a few days), the pad tends to stick to the drum. Most of the time this is not a problem as the brakes become alright after a few kms drive. But on rare occasions, when the hand brake is released, the pad might come off the shoe and this can cause lock-ups while applying brakes.

This happened in our M800 23 years ago.. One morning on a long drive, after a few kms, the rear left wheel locked up and the car veered to the left. Luckily the roads were empty and my dad was doing slow speeds. We found that the brake pad was left loose inside the drum. BTW it was a rainy season and the car was parked for the past week with handbrakes on, and my
dad remembered driving through a water logged area just before he parked. It may not apply to the new generation cars, as the quality of the components have improved over time.

It is safer to put the hand brake on and put the car in 1st when parking. If the incline is very steep turn the steering to point the wheels towards the kerb/wall or other barrier (this way, even if the car moves it will stop at the kerb).

If the hand brake is left on for a very long time and water gets to the pads / liners then there is a chance that they get jammed but unless it is really very badly jammed due to the car not moving for several months, the jam is easily cleared by moving the car forward and backward.

It is normally recommended that both the tyres on one axle be changed together. The exception would be a damaged tyre within the first 1000 km.

It is also better that both the tyres on one axle be the same model. This is because each model of tyre is built differently using different materials. Besides the (visible) tread pattern there will be a difference in the compounds used as well as the construction of the tyre. The flex and strength of the sidewalls would be different, the contact patch would be different, the grip of the rubber would be different etc. Best to go in for two tyres for the front.

no need to change both.. looks like the ball joint /arm has gone..

What are these ball joints? The front right hand side of my Adventure has started producing a strange sound whenever the wheel goes inside a big pothole. It's something like "KHAK". The RHS front tyre has also started getting worn out from the inside. I'm told the shocker's gone but chimtas (swing arms?) are fine.

Should I change only the RHS shocker or both? Should the swing arms be changed too even if they are fine? I've been advised a complete front suspension overhaul - both shockers, shocker mountings plus swing arms. Cost approx. Rs. 13,000/- to Rs. 15,000/-. So what are these ball joints and should they be replaced too?

My car has crossed 65,000 KMs without any front suspension job. Rear shockers have been changed sometime back.


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