my son put the handbrake on for winter storage instead of using the chucks consequently the handbrake is jammed. how do i go about freeing it. it is a bailey majestic

billander, April 2008

If not done already:
THREE ways: 1. As John says bang the drum but don't hit the drum/s with the hammer remove the wheel place axle stand under of course the axle then hold a block of hard wood on the drum and hit the hard wood.

2. Need thick gloves. Prepare drum for removal [it may have a screw in the face] if not it's the wheel nuts that hold it on. Warm up the drums with a blow lamp lightly tap the drum with the hammer,ok I did say don't hit the drum with the hammer but light taps are ok. The drum will slightly expand enabling the drum to be removed, It works I've done that on a car as well.
3. If yours has the new braking system which 'Lock OFF' on reversing enabling reversing on to a pitch easy then if you have the room behind the c/van hitch up and reverse it may kick the brakes off. Clean up the brakes if they don't fully release. If you remove the break shoes then take a digital picture first so you know what goes where.

Nobby, April 2008

Handbrake off...behind the wheels, look for the linkages that the handbrake cable connects to. Often a few taps with a hammer will free them off enough. Failing that the brake drums will have to come off - somewhat difficult with the brake on! Tap the brake drum sharply with a hammer when trying to turn it.

John, April 2008