Rear brakes after wash..

[Mini Me GB]

Everytime after I give my Mini a wash, the next morning I try to reverse out the garage and the rear brakes seem to stick for a second.

The first time I couldn't move and thought the handbrake was still on, checked but nope and then a second later the brakes released.. Today they stuck again before making a bang sound and letting me go.

Is this just where the water has settled over-night or something else? I've checked and it doesn't seem to happen after the initial reverse.. Afterwards I did a bit of heavy braking to try and make sure all the water was out..

thanks for any help!

[rhardaker]

yep, always happens - it's just the pads sticking to the discs due to rust build up from washing. Best thing is to have a short drive after washing and if possible (like if you're parking in a garage) leave the handbrake off but the car in gear!

[IBMiniG]

I have noticed this too, but I'd say the sound I get is more of a chirp. Only happens when the car is left overnight after a wash. I wash in the driveway and pull forward about 10 feet into my garage.

Never gotten stuck and no big noise so I just ignore it now.....

[ScottishMini]

I have had this problem mildly since getting the car. However, after washing the car a couple of weeks ago, it didn't move for about a week.
THEN, when I did go for a drive, it stuck on as usual, so I thought just to go a little further forward. After about 3 metres it was still on. (its OK it was chips, not tarmac or concrete)
I then reversed a little and clunk, it released. Mind you, I then had to rake the chips on the driveway when I got home, as there was a TRENCH 3 metres long and 10cm deep !!!
I would agree with other comments on here about driving a bit after a wash and DEFINATLY leaving the handbrake off.

[ScottishMini]

Quote: Originally Posted by Max

...to add....>

Yr stock brake pads are made of steel compound, the rear discs are steel.

when they both get wet and you apply the handbrake, rust forms and holds the pads to the discs (rotors) overnight.

Max

I was thinking on changing to the likes of EBC discs and greenstuff pads, would this make a difference?

[Polmear]

Quote: Originally Posted by ScottishMini

I was thinking on changing to the likes of EBC discs and greenstuff pads, would this make a difference?

depends on the compounds they use. I believe that one of the main ingredients in most NAO (non-asbestos, organic) pads is steel wool. If this is the case with greenstuffs, nope...no difference whatsoever.

[ScottishMini]

Quote: Originally Posted by Polmear

depends on the compounds they use. I believe that one of the main ingredients in most NAO (non-asbestos, organic) pads is steel wool. If this is the case with greenstuffs, nope...no difference whatsoever.

Anyone recommend another pad ?

[Polmear]

Quote: Originally Posted by ScottishMini

Anyone recommend another pad ?

I think you'd have to go to a high-temp, ceramic race pad to avoid this problem completely, however those pads bring up their own issues; like needing to be heated well before they really begin to perform well, excessive wear on the rotor, noise, noise, NOISE (sorry, didn't mean to shout)
All brake pads are a compromise in one way or another.
The easiest way to avoid this is to drive around after washing and heat up the brakes with a few stops, before putting the car away for the night.
GL and happy motoring!

[ScottishMini]

Thanks for the comment Polmear.
I guess that Ceramic ones are a tad noisy!

[Polmear]

Quote: Originally Posted by ScottishMini

Thanks for the comment Polmear.
I guess that Ceramic ones are a tad noisy!

they'll tend to be noisier until they heat up. you'll probably hear lots of low-pressure squealing while cold. I also tend to be extremely finicky when it comes to brake noise...one of many problems when you deal with brakes on a daily basis, and see how much effort is employed to minimize NVH from brakes, we have an entire department devoted to nothing but.