Frozen brakes?

[fudnie]

I have realised that snow, comuting and the Elise are not all friends so I've taken alternative transport recently. Turning the engine over to make sure the battery does not freeze, but this morning I went to nip out and the car isn't going anywhere!

It feels like when it's been sitting out in the rain and the hand brake has rusted together but it's not wanting to give (and I don't want to screw the clutch up too much)

Any ideas on what it could be? Rusted, frozen, seized!

[Rich H]

Rough lovin' 'tis the SE way... rev the nuts off it and drop the clutch...

[fudnie]

While waiting for a reply got out a jack a mallet and a bit of wood, but before setting about the wheel did just what you said - pop but still sounds rusty. Going for a burn!

[Rich H]

[Stewart]

Don't leave the handbrake on - leave it in gear instead

[fudnie]

Cheers guys.
I think you're right Stewart

[dirkpitt]

Don't leave the handbrake on - leave it in gear instead

ill second that ..im still driving the loty to work at the moment and have noticed the hand brake will seize on more readily in the cold. not to scare anyone but last week the front wheels would not turn and the ABS light came on prob the brakes froz on, seeing I’ve just changed them to CL R05+.......getting a bit of squeak at the moment on them.....any suggestions?

[SAJ]

Don't leave the handbrake on - leave it in gear instead

Been driving the Europa everyday during this winter weather and always left it in gear instead of using the handbrake when parked up. Started doing this as a result of it sticking after just sitting unused for a day or two after a rainy day.

Not had any issues getting away since.

[Dominic]

Chances are it will be the handbrake cable that is frozen. Take care battering the brake with a hammer, as the cable may well be holding the brakes on tight! Moisture can get into the cable and freeze it solid... IMHO