2 Questions (1 Surf, 1 Corolla)

[silvtr1000]

Hi All,

Surf Question:

After scumbags attempted to break into my Surf last week , the driver's door key barrel is missing (probably inside the door?). I can get a new barrel and key from Toyota for about €50 and I'm told it's an easy <A TITLE="Click for more information about job" STYLE="text-decoration: none; border-bottom: medium solid green;" HREF="http://search.targetwords.com/u.search?x=5977|1||||job|AA1VD w">job</A> to fit. Can anyone comment?

Corolla question (I know, I know - but I'm hardly going to join a Corolla forum, am I? ):

The handbrake light in the dash has been coming on intermittently (random) for the last week. I can't be 100% sure on this (because I swap between driving the Surf and the Corolla, and the difference between the two may be a factor in my perception), but it does feel like the Corolla has some sort of drag going on, and it has been guzzling petrol recently. When I lift off the accellerator, the car slows down quite considerably, and I don't remember it having particularly strong engine braking - smooth engine and all that.

Is the handbrake sticking?
How would I check?
I think it's a cable operating the rear drums?
Will ignoring it till after Xmas (when I'll have more free cash than I do now) lead to my death ?


Thanks,

Mark

[Tallyman]

Not sure about the Surf problem but the Corolla problem sounds like a seized cable or rear brake shoe. It "might" last till Xmas but also might burn out the brake drum and cause a much more expensive repair. I'd stick to driving the Surf until you can sort the Corolla; more fun anyway!!

[rresc06]

Try feeling the rear wheels see if they are warm (or even hot) this would indicate sticking brake shoes/ cable as well

Chris

[Verbal]

If you find which side of the Corolla is sticking on (if it is that, feel if wheel is warm or not) it may be a sticking cable. if so you can pull it slack with you hand by locating it behind the wheel and giving it a haul. when free you can drive it all you like, but don`t use the handbrake in that time.

[kevb]

the handbrake light comin on in ur corrolla intermittently(spelt wrong),check your brake fluid level

[goodjazz]

As above but also check your Brake light bulbs. As for is it safe No you could loose your brakes due to the fluid boiling and cost yourself a lot of money with worn drums etc

[silvtr1000]

Topped up brake fluid last night - problem gone this morning - thanks all.

Goodjazz - what's the relevance of the brake light bulb? As it happens, right side brake bulb is out....

Do Dave Brubeck's Take 5 and Blue Rondo A La Turk qualify ass good jazz?

Mark