Mk1 MX-5 brakes applying themselves when parked?

[ruaricoles]

Hello peeps

My dad has a Mk1 MX-5 and says the brakes have started to apply themselves after he parks and locks the car. All 4 wheels, as he drove for a bit to see if it would ease and says all 4 wheels were then really hot. The pedal is harder than usual, but if he sits and lets the car idle for 10 mins it apparently goes back to normal and he can drive off fine.

It's got a servo I assume, but no ABS. It's imported, and a 1.6 v-spec in case that makes a difference.

I've not yet seen the car but am baffled. Any ideas?

Thanks

Ruari

[militantmandy]

Is he absolutely sure it's all four wheels? It is extremely common for the hanbrake to stick on with Mk1s.

[mike13]

Good chance it's sticky calipers,I tend to leave my handbrake off when parked

[MX-5 Lazza]

Sticky callipers would be my bet too. I'd be surprised if it really was all 4 though. Being hot doesn't realistically mean much as they tend to feel pretty hot anyway, even after "normal" driving.

[buzzer]

check the pedal for play. there should be a small amount of play before the pedal pushrod contacts the servo, if not you can get the symptoms you describe. there is an adjustment on the master cylinder push rod, under the dash.

[ruaricoles]

Thanks guys, I need to have a look at the car and get it jacked up for a proper look at each corner. Perhaps the calipers are sticking at the front at the same time as the handbrake at the back or dad's diagnosis is wrong of course!

Ruari