So last night, I started up the mx5 NB after not driving it for 2 weeks and when I released the handbrake, it felt as tho the wheels were still locked up and the car wouldn’t move. Eventually I applied more gas and the car moved but made a loud thump.
Now whenever I apply the brakes, I hear a continuous thumping coming from the brakes and the brake pedal pulsates back.
I’ve had a look at the outer facing part of all the brake discs and there doesn’t appear to be any lumps in the disc, the pads and discs were changed 10 months ago if that helps.
Any ideas what seems to be the problem and how I could go around fixing this?
it’s not unusual for the handbrake to become seized on if left for a while especially in this damp weather, the discs start to rust and that holds everything firm, normally when this happens you can try to go forwards then into reverse may have to do this a few times but normally this will release the pads that are seized to the disc, this will make a horrid thump sound as you say. If you have have a thumping sound when you are braking I would bet that there is some rust residue on the disc and it will get better as you drive the car more, it is of course possible that you have warped disc or discs and this would give you the same effect.
To have piece of mind, take it to a qualified mechanic and let them have a look. Hope this helps a little.
Probably a patch of rust on the inside or outside where the pads were touching the disc whilst parked. I sometimes find my rear brakes stuck after it’s been washed or driven in the rain the day before. Now I always leave the handbrake off and leave it in gear after putting it in the garage. Try pulling the hand brake on and off whilst driving to clean the rust off.
MX-5’s brakes do stick if not used regularly (the car that is) that’s not to say all are like it. Regular maintenance of the brakes should minimise the problem and never leave the handbrake on for prolonged periods.
I had my rear pads stick to the discs the other week, thought all was dry brake wise when I backed it into the garage to park up, the handbrake was off and in gear.
I renewed all 4 discs & pads, greased the sliders and applied copper anti seize where necessary last summer yet the pads still rust themselves to the discs when garaged overnight. After washing car I can actually watch the rust forming on the discs so I take her round the block to clean and dry them before putting her to bed.
Thanks for all the suggestion, once you mentioned the handbrake I decided to have a closer look at the rear discs and like you said there was a pad shaped raised mark on the disc which looked like a combination of pad material and rust.
I simply cleaned off what i could and went out for a short drive with the brake and gas down and also a bit of driving with the handbrake engaged and it cleaned the disc compleletly.