Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer - Astra Electric Parking Break Stuck On

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Wed 13 Jan 2016 11:29
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer - Astra Electric Parking Break Stuck On - DaveUK666

Hi,

My wife's Astra has been on the drive other Christmas, she was unable to drive it due to an operation.

I started it up last week and tried to reverse it off the drive, but it appears that the parking break is stuck on.

It's an electric parking break and makes the normal 'noises' as if the parking break has been disengaged, but the car will not move.

I'd appreciate any help on this.

thanks!

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Wed 13 Jan 2016 13:13
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer - Astra Electric Parking Break Stuck On - Railroad.

This is something you might have to get used to. The friction linings can become stuck to the disc/drum after the car has been parked for a while, even though the mechanism retracts. This is very common, and always has been on Vauxhalls. It's not a fault with the car, and changing parts will not cure it. When the shoes/pads have been clamped to the drum/disc for a long period of time they can stick on. The usual way to release them is to tap the brake drum/caliper with a hammer, and they usually come right off. If you intend to park the car for long periods, and you're on a level surface it's better to leave the car in gear with the handbrake off so this problem is avoided. If the car is auto transmission then leave it in 'Park' with the handbrake off.

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Wed 13 Jan 2016 15:54
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer - Astra Electric Parking Break Stuck On - daveyjp
Another downside to electric parking brakes, there is no scale of how much you want the brakes on, its all or nothing and EPB clamp very tightly.

The brake pads will be stuck to the disks. If it sounds like the brakes are releasing you can try pulling away and see if they unstick themselves. This has usually worked for me. You then need to drive the car and do some high speed braking to clean up the brake surfaces,
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If you cover no more than 100 miles per day and have easy access to a charging point at home or work, then an EV is ideal for you.

Is an electric car right for me?