MOT failed - how much is this likely to cost?

smr · 23 May 2012 at 15:05

Hi all,

Just had my Mondeo 1.8 LX MK3 fail her MOT.

The only failure is :

001 Offside Rear parking brake recording little or no effort

[3.7.A.7a]

Any ideas as to how much this may likely cost / ball park figures etc.?

ThePengu1n · 23 May 2012 at 15:08

Depends where you get it done and what parts you use. Probably needs new pads, maybe a new disc as well, but either way, shouldn't be too much

ChocolateStarfishRammer · 23 May 2012 at 15:10

Parking brake.. not discs and pads.

Chances are it just needs adjusting, shouldn't be more then 10minutes work.

rodenal · 23 May 2012 at 15:10

I would say it's more likely a sticking mechanism or dodgy cable - You may be able to just free it up / adjust or could need a new caliper/cable(s). Not expensive regardless.

dalin80 · 23 May 2012 at 15:22

I would guess a rear calliper as they are fairly weak on those, you will have to check the cable as well.

Reality Bites · 23 May 2012 at 16:24

I would suggest it's something like the rear caliper seized. Common on MK3 mondeo...i've replaced both mine. reasonably cheap and easy to do. Be sure by jacking it up and try to rotate it while the handbrake is on.

I think mine was around £65

smr · 23 May 2012 at 16:28

I've just spoken to the guys who tested it they've said that it could be the handbrake cable or a rear caliper as the handbrake is stuck in the on position - or something like that.

He says if its a caliper it could be £140 max and if handbrake cable £40 ish... does this sound all alright?

Muffin` · 23 May 2012 at 16:29

Got my handbrake cable fixed for £50 when it had rusted and snapped so only one side was in effect (mk3 mondeo as well, common fault)

smr · 23 May 2012 at 16:32

Muffin` said:
Got my handbrake cable fixed for £50 when it had rusted and snapped so only one side was in effect (mk3 mondeo as well, common fault)

He said something like that - that only one of the sides was in effect.

latercomer2 · 23 May 2012 at 17:11

could be either the cable or the caliper - either way not a huge expense, as above.

adam cool dude · 23 May 2012 at 17:33

I presume the mk3 mondeo is self adjusting handbrake? If you can look for the mechanism attached to the caliper to see if it is seized. Take some WD40 and lump hammer and gently hit it till it has freed up. Turn the car on, hold down the foot brake and pump the handbrake with the button held in till you feel tension build up in the handbrake.

smr · 23 May 2012 at 18:04

thanks guys, will see what the problem is tomorrow.

Muffin` · 23 May 2012 at 18:05

smr said:
He said something like that - that only one of the sides was in effect.

get him to check the other side too as it may save money in the long run to just get both sides done, or one side may have been done and now it's this sides turn

poker_999 · 23 May 2012 at 21:09

slip him £10 and tell him you wont park on a hill

agnes · 23 May 2012 at 21:16

poker_999 said:
slip him £10 and tell him you wont park on a hill

Hope that's a joke right?

aproctor · 23 May 2012 at 21:47

agnes said:
Hope that's a joke right?

I know two that would do that. Well, £20.

Idiots.

Fuzz · 23 May 2012 at 21:52

Sounds like the handbrake cable then, for the cost of the other one I'd just do both and be done with it.
Don't start beating it with a hammer :rolleyes:

You may temporarily fix it but a bit of rain and a short while later it's likely to be seized back up again.

Makhaira · 23 May 2012 at 22:42

Sounds about right cost-wise, make sure the garage checks to see if the cable issue (if present) can be sorted with the adjuster, since that would be free!