LR
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BrakesHigh severity

Ineffective handbrake contaminated with oil

Safety or reliability risk. Fix promptly.

Symptoms

Handbrake will not hold the vehicle on a slope, oil visible on the transmission drum, MOT failure.

Likely cause

The transmission handbrake drum sits behind the rear output seal. A leaking seal soaks the shoes in oil.

Suggested fixes

Listed roughly in the order most owners try them.

  1. 1

    Replace the rear output seal and handbrake shoes

    Fix the leak first, then fit new shoes, clean the drum and adjust.

    Difficulty:
    Moderate DIY
    Cost:
    £ (Under about £50 in parts)
  2. 2

    Adjust the handbrake

    Use the adjuster on the back plate to take up shoe wear, then set cable tension.

    Difficulty:
    Easy DIY
    Cost:
    £ (Under about £50 in parts)

This is general guidance gathered from owner experience and workshop practice, not a substitute for a workshop manual or a qualified mechanic. Costs are rough parts-only guides. Brakes, steering and suspension work affects safety, so if in doubt have it checked professionally.

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