What could this MOT fail mean?

[Geertsen]

We had a 2012 Ford Ka fail it’s MOT on the following:

- Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle 70% (1.2.1 (b) (i))

- Offside Rear Service brake lagging in operation (1.2.1 (d))

I know it’s a bit vague but any ideas what the issue could be would be much appreciated.

The car had been sitting for a long time before driving the car to the MOT (1.5hour drive prior to test).

Thank you

[kiethton]

That you've likely got a knackered/ceased brake caliper

[Chumley.mouse]

Drum brakes on the ka …….take the drum off and give them a good clean fettle and see if that improves them.

[Krikkit]

Driver's rear brake is nearly seized - lagging behind the other one on brake application and not balanced with the other side. Most likely a fresh cylinder (as it's a drum) will sort it, but might need shoes etc if it's worn them through dragging.

[Geertsen]

Thank you for the replies.

...Update...

...and another hypothetical question.

I have just had the rear offside brake assembly dismantled by a mechanic (something else was being sorted so asked him to look at this too). He cleaned and deglazed the brake (and fettled around for a while) and couldn’t see anything wrong with it. What are the chances that this ‘service’ (in inverted commas!) on the brake parts will sort the issue (i.e. enough to pass a re-test)...?

[Pica-Pica]

Geertsen said:

Thank you for the replies.

...Update...

...and another hypothetical question.

I have just had the rear offside brake assembly dismantled by a mechanic (something else was being sorted so asked him to look at this too). He cleaned and deglazed the brake (and fettled around for a while) and couldn t see anything wrong with it. What are the chances that this service (in inverted commas!) on the brake parts will sort the issue (i.e. enough to pass a re-test)...?

Did the mechanic check the brake wheel cylinders are responding and moving the brake shoes OK? Were the shoe contact points to the brake back plate OK and free to move?