Brakes problem

[paddysaab]

There are two possibly connected issues with the brakes on the CD.
The left rear brake is sticking but mechanic reckons the caliper is working perfectly.
The pedal sticks sometimes. Mostly when you are gently slowing, like going downhill or approaching a corner and the car changes down. The pedal sticks more often when the brake is heating up .
Any suggestions appreciated

[Max Headroom]

If the pedal itself is sticking, is it the pivot point that has corroded? Or could some trim or carpet be fouling against it?

Two cars I owned previously, had pedal pivot points that had not been lubed and caused me no end of problems from dragging brakes to sticking throttle

[phoenix]

I don't think the two are linked. If a sticking caliper has been eliminated then the usual cause of rear brakes staying on in corrosion in the handbrake wire.

[Max Headroom]

Yes - good point Phoenix.
Our Meriva has had handbrake problems particularly at this time of year. It has mostly been to do with moisture ingress and subsequent freezing, but nevertheless if corrosion has set in - then similar symptoms I guess.

I don't know if SAAB fit grease-nipples/oiling-points to the cables, but in the past I have disconnected cables and used a motorcycle cable oiler to force some lube down the cable. A slightly messy job and one that needs to be done regularly if corrosion has already started

Cable oiler

And here

[paddysaab]

Thanks guys,
Handbrake cable does sound like a possibility.
Will a CS cable fit a CD?

[Paul @ Kippen]

Paddysaab,

Certainly should do.  They're all the same floor pan.  Attach a length of wire to the old one as you draw it out and then use this to pull the 'new' one back in.  Don't forget to adjust the pads first then the handbrake cable.

Paul @ Kippen

[alang]

Paddysaab, also check the condition of the brake hose.  When they get old they can start to break down internally, acting as a one way valve letting the pressure/flow into the caliper but stopping it releasing quickly.

[phoenix]

Part nos for CD and CS cables are the same

[paddysaab]

Paddysaab, also check the condition of the brake hose.  When they get old they can start to break down internally, acting as a one way valve letting the pressure/flow into the caliper but stopping it releasing quickly.

Mechanic mentioned this but I thought it was a bit of a tale, so I have to take one of the old car for next time I'm under.
Just don't get much weather for this sort of thing

Thanks for the help guys