westy 0 Posted June 5, 2006 Hi, I was having my car checked over by a mechanic, and he told me that one of my rear brakes doesn't work, especially when the engine isn't running - he could still turn the wheel by hand when the brake pedal was fully depressed. What could this be down to? The other side works perfectly. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pug309twin40s 1 Posted June 5, 2006 is the car a 1.9 or 1.6?? i would say its either of the following if the brake on 1 side isnt working air in the system knackered brake compensator Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob_the_Sparky 10 Posted June 5, 2006 A 1.9 has a seperate compensator for each rear brake so I think this would be the most likely candidate, although it would seems sensible to try bleeding that side first as it costs virtually nothing to do. Could try the handbrake as well as this has a seperate mechanical link to the rear brakes. Rob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
westy 0 Posted June 5, 2006 The handbrake works fine, its perfect on both sides. its a 1.6 on an H plate. My dad mentioned to me that it could be a knackered wheel cylinder, possible? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hengti 2 Posted June 5, 2006 take the drum off and check for leaks from it. if it's bad, you might notice fluid leaking from the drum and will likely need new shoes too if it's leaking, you'll be getting reduced brake effort from that wheel have you noticed if your brake fluid has been going down? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonD6B 0 Posted June 5, 2006 (edited) As hengti says check the cylinder for leaks, they'll be obvious. If it's leaking I'd personally change the shoes if they look like they could be contaminated. Edited June 5, 2006 by jonD6B Share this post Link to post Share on other sites