Parking Brake Left On

Hello all,

My wife has a 2001 Accord EX and she accidentally drove about 15 miles on
her way home with the parking brake partially engaged. When she parked, she
smelled an acrid, electrical smell coming primarily from the rear right
wheel. We realize that this can cause damage to the rear brakes or axel
over time, but could this onetime episode result in extensive damage?
Should we get the brakes checked ASAP?

TIA,

David

 

15 miles is a pretty long way to go with the parking brake on. I'm guessing
the brakes haven't been changed yet on your 2001, so it would be a good idea
to get them checked soon - this week or next, mostly so you don't forget
about it. Most brake shops offer free inspections in hopes of getting
business.

I doubt any damage would extend beyond the normal brake wear items.

Mike

 

If you don't feel brakes pulsing from warpage and they work ok then there is
probably no problem. You should have the pads checked for excessive wear. It
isn't uncommon. Many people do it..

 

---------------

Threr's two indicator lights on the dash that should have alerted her.
Maybe they need to be checked to be sure they're working. It's a DIY
job, in the first 30 pages of your manual. If you don't have ABS,
there's only one lamp that needs testing.

'Curly'

 

Most of the Accords have separate parking brake drums built into the rear
brake rotor hubs. They do not use the main brakes for parking. If yours is
one of them, then there is no additional wear at all on the main brakes.
Test the the parking brake will hold the car in place. If it does, you're
fine. If not, you probably should get the parking brake checked.

 

Thanks for your input, guys. I should have added that we bought the car
certified used 2 weeks ago, so I'm assuming that the brakes were in good
condition and this episode shouldn't be a big deal. Nonetheless, we will
keep an eye on their performance.

David

 

"My wife did that". That's the best justification a man can find!


RAT