Hey folks,
I just joined up because I was hoping one of you might be able to diagnose a problem I've noticed over the last couple of weeks. It feels like there is a break on when I start in first gear from a stop. It feels like I'm trying to get over a speed bump or something like that. Have you experienced this? Is it something obvious? Thanks so much for your help.

 

Perhaps your parking brake is not adjusted correctly.

 

Hey there. Thanks for responding. It certainly does feel like that could be the problem. But I thought that if it were the brake it would persist beyond the first roll of the tires because after that it is fine and there is no tire/brake smell.

 

I'd guess more specifically that something is a bit sticky in the parking brake linkage (crud in the cable, for instance) or the brake mechanism just could use a little cleaning. The initial jolt from the rotation of the wheel is sufficient to get things to release properly, but they aren't doing so on their own very well. The parking brake mechanism is largely separate from the hydraulic road brake mechanism; that way, if the normal brakes fail, you can still get the car to stop.

How long does your car sit when this happens? If it's only after it has been sitting for awhile (like a few days, maybe), it's probably just the brake shoes adhering to the drums. That's not at all uncommon, nor indicative of any great problem. After a few stops at most, the brakes will behave perfectly normally. (The first few stops might be a bit rough if the car has been sitting for quite some time as there's often a wee bit of surface corrosion, dust, etc. to scrub off the drums/rotors.)

 

Hi DrewE. Thanks so much. We live in a construction zone and there is an unrelenting dust storm around where we park so I'm thinking you might be on to something there with crud in the cable. I'll keep an eye on it today to see if it goes away after a few trips. We often let the car sit for days.
I really appreciate hearing your input. It puts my mind at ease a bit

 

Does it do this every time you start in first gear (like at a stop light) or only after the car has been parked and the first time you start in first gear?

Have you noticed a decrease in fuel economy?

 

Here Lets make easy guys if its under warranty TAKE IT IN!!!

 

Brakes are not generally cover under warranty, so that could cost $$$.

 

how many miles u got on ur fit reminiscethis ?

 

Hi folks. I really can't thank you all enough for your assistance. It appears to happen when ever I am moving forward in first. With regard to fuel economy, I couldn't really say because we drive it such short distances right now. The car has around 115,000 km on it and has received regular maintenance from the dealer on schedule.

 

In fact, last maintenance check up was in August.

 

So this is a manual transmission?

Is it still under warranty?

 

Hmmm. Good question, Wanderer. It's a manual transmission and an '07. I'll look and get back to you.

 

Hmmm, only from a stop then everything is fine... manual tranny... no brake smell... clutch slip maybe??? Stabbing in the dark...

 

To me it sounds like brake pads need some forward movement to release, if the caliper isn't releasing, it would do it on all stops. Lift car, apply brakes, then watch wheels when you apply gas, or put it in neutral and see if wheels turn easy by hand.

 

Hey DaveFL, That's exactly what it feels like! Why would that happen? I'm convinced it has to do with the incredible amount of dirt and dust in our lives. We had the car washed a couple of weeks ago. Might that have gummed things up a bit (so much dirt that a thorough job wasn't possible)? I don't have the facilities to lift the car, but I can experiment on a hill maybe. I'll get back to you.

 

Were the break pads changed at a recent service? I have found (even with better brands!) That most pads need fileing to fit the calipers well, sometimes they are just a hair big from the factory, and will get stuck.

 

The problem seems to have resolved itself. Thanks for your help. I look forward to reaching out to you if I have a problem again
Jen