Handbrake feels like it sticks for a second when I pull away?

Jamesyboyjim · 23 May 2016 at 14:58

Hi all, not even entirely sure if it is the handbrake, but just recently, after my car has been parked (2010 Seat Ibiza) when I disengage the handbrake and pull away, it feels like something is holding the car back for a second and there's a groan which sounds like the handbrake (I think)

it is fully disengaged, it just feels like it sticks for a second but then its fine. Is this something typical for a handbrake that isn't quite right? I'm not sure what to make of it at this point, whether its no biggie or whether its something that needs proper investigation?

iaind · 23 May 2016 at 15:01

It depends if the handbrake acts on the caliper or on a drum inside the disc.

If its the former, it can be quite normal especially in wet conditions, when the tiny bits of metal dust on the surface of the disc oxidise and stick to the pads. It could be a sticking caliper though if it happens all the time.

If its the latter, it could be the return spring has snapped

Jamesyboyjim · 23 May 2016 at 15:50

Thanks again Iain, if its the return spring, is it likely to cause more problems if left alone and will it be expensive to sort?

grudas · 23 May 2016 at 15:55

it'll probably be a disc on a 2010 car? my mazda sticks a little too when left for 3-4 days!

quite normal I think!

iaind · 23 May 2016 at 15:56

On mine, it caused the handbrake cabled to pop off the mechanism - went to park one day and the handbrake went all the way to the top without any resistance and an almighty "TWANG"... Hooked it back on and it was fine until I got a new spring - £7 for the pair and some severely grazed knuckles sorted it.

I dont know if the Ibiza has this sort of mechanism or not though

iaind · 23 May 2016 at 15:57

grudas said:
it'll probably be a disc on a 2010 car? my mazda sticks a little too when left for 3-4 days! quite normal I think!

It'll have a disc, but lots of cars with discs have a drum inside the disc for the handbrake - like this

Nasher · 23 May 2016 at 16:21

Happens on mine too, mostly in winter. Most modern cars don't have drums for the handbrake, which I hate because they don't hold as well (and you can't do handbrake turns with them

) :/

Lima · 23 May 2016 at 17:51

My 208gti does this. Pretty sure it's just a bit of sticking. Usually in cold/ wet weather.

Frozennova · 23 May 2016 at 18:16

Are you sure this isn't just hill start assist?

matthab · 23 May 2016 at 20:00

Frozennova said:
Are you sure this isn't just hill start assist?

This, my Ibiza was the same.

Jamesyboyjim · 24 May 2016 at 08:47

Frozennova said:
Are you sure this isn't just hill start assist?

I've no idea! It could be! Not sure if my car has such a feature! It certainly wasn't advertised! Is that a feature to stop the car rolling backwards for a split second? My car definitely rolls back on hills if you let it!

lee1101 · 24 May 2016 at 08:55

Agree with the hill start assist. My fiesta has it and feels exactly like you described. Turned it off as soon as I realised it was on.

snips86x · 24 May 2016 at 08:56

Nasher said:
Happens on mine too, mostly in winter. Most modern cars don't have drums for the handbrake, which I hate because they don't hold as well (and you can't do handbrake turns with them ) :/

haha - should get a hydraulic handbrake installed

Nasher · 24 May 2016 at 09:19

Frozennova said:
Are you sure this isn't just hill start assist?

That was the first thing I turned off on my Fiesta ST, it's awful. It would be fine if there wasn't a short delay on it releasing itself :/

Jamesyboyjim · 24 May 2016 at 09:29

Well, just had a google, it sounds as though my model (the SE) has a hill start feature so as a few of you suggest, its probably this. Don't think I can disable it without getting a copy of VCDS. Not a big deal, but it has put my mind at ease