handbrake or caliper

The pads don't need to wear down - something is wrong.

If the handbrake is too tight, you will certainly feel it. There should be a few clicks to the handbrake before it starts to take effect. If you have those clicks the handbrake isn't the problem.

You need to find out where he took the car to have the brakes done. Whether he had a buddy do it, or a real shop messed it up, it has to be fixed.

Mike

"94teggsr" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@localhost.talkaboutautos.com:

Something VERY BAD is wrong! Get it looked at RIGHT AWAY! If something's dragging badly enough, you will cook your rear wheel bearings right quick! $$$$$$!!!!

Jack up each rear wheel in turn (parking brake OFF), then spin the wheel with your hand. It should turn very easily, but with a bit of a scuffing noise. If it's hard to turn, and does not continue spinning once you stop pushing it, the parking brake is likely too tight.

You should not have to remove the center console. Access is normally gained by popping off a small rectangular cover at the rear of the console, or by removing the rear ashtray. You need two 12mm open-end wrenches.

If adjusting the parking brake does not fix it, the rear calipers are incorrectly installed or are defective/rusted internally, or a PB cable is rusting in its casing.

Your caliper could be seized up. It could also be that the pin that allows it to float is seized up. Either way, take care of this soon - A brake pad should not need to wear in. Depending on what it is, it can be dangerous to drive and/or expensive to repair if you wait.

Remco