Handbrake on Astra 1.4 LS

You almost certainly have a brake problem in the shape of one or both wheel cylinders leaking fluid onto the shoes with the attendant loss of friction.

Steve

I'm certainly no mechanic - but i think 1st gear would be more effective because of the gearbox ratio .

You could also 'gently' kerb the tyre depending on the hill .

Reverse is generally a lower gear on manual gearboxes.

You definitely have a brake problem.

Does the car have a service history? If it does, it might be worth calling the servicing dealer and asking them to check the history.

Did you get the work done at a Vauxhall dealer? If you did, take it back, if you didn't, take it to one.

The car is still under manufacturer's warranty so they should investigate for free.

Obviously worn/service parts will not be covered but it sounds like a fluid leak?

If you 'had to have it adjusted twice in two weeks' take it back to whoever you paid to do the job. If you ask for a handbrake to be sorted, it should be checked for efficiency afterwards.

Covering myself in case I've made the same c*ck-up twice in quick succession, do astras this age have rear disc brakes? If so, it could be the case that the pads are worn down to the point where the anti-rattle springs meet each other in the middle and can't apply the brake properly, as used to happen with early astra front brakes.

Any way you look at it though, it's a brake problem. And for the OP I should point out that in 99% of cars, applying the handbrake uses the same brake components as applying the foot brake, but only at one end, usually the rear. It's not a separate brake, just a different way of applying the same brake. It should have been sorted though. Whenever I work on a handbrake or rear brake, I test it by manually by turning the wheels, or attempting to, both with and without the brakes applied. It sounds like whoever did yours just tightened the cable without jacking it up, which can mean that the brake will bind (fail to release) later.

Steve