106 1.1 petrol problem

[VanderHux]

Hi guys! this is my first car, and I am having a few problems. I would like some advice and suggestions.

The warning light for the handbrake keeps flickering on and off. Could this be a wiring electrical fault or mechanical? I must admit, I think my handbrake needs tightening as its pretty high when I apply it. Its due for MOT end of April and I would love to get this sorted long before.

I am reluctant to take to a garage as I am terrifed of getting riped off as I would like to try and fix myself. Please help!

[trem1]

its probaby just a build up of crud, the switch will be under the handbrake lever just push it in and out manually a few times and it should sort it.

[VanderHux]

thats what I have been told, so I put some WD40 on it and it still has the problem. I looked underneath the car and it looks like something is leaking under the rear left wheel and also something leaking under the front right wheel. My brakes do not feel any different then 8 months ago when I bought it. Guess im going to have to bit the bullett and take to a garage.

[trem1]

are you sure its handbrake warning and not brake fluid level warning?? have you checked your brake fluid level lately??
our 106 had a leaking slave cylinder last year and we replaced it easy enough.

[sterion75]

if you have visible fluid loss however small it needs attention. You may have a potential brake failure. That handbrake light may double as a general brake warning light, you dont live near Boston?

[VanderHux]

yes, i had checked that anfd it was very low so i have just topped it up. i think it might be a leak in the rear brake cylinder and also a leak front driver side. glad to hear it was easy enough to do, did you do it yourself or was it a garage? how much did they charge you if it was the garage?

[VanderHux]

no i dont libe near boston, England Dorset

[davidireland]

Originally Posted by VanderHux

yes, i had checked that anfd it was very low so i have just topped it up. i think it might be a leak in the rear brake cylinder and also a leak front driver side. glad to hear it was easy enough to do, did you do it yourself or was it a garage? how much did they charge you if it was the garage?

If its that bad of a leak you will now need a full rear brake rebuild. The shoes will be contaminated.
Who has been servicing it? The brakes cylinders don't fail over night.

[VanderHux]

I only bought the car 6 months ago and it was a quick sale as i was desperate. roughly does anyone know a cost to fix?

[davidireland]

Originally Posted by VanderHux

I only bought the car 6 months ago and it was a quick sale as i was desperate. roughly does anyone know a cost to fix?

Depends on your local garage.