2007 Handbrake sticking after wet nights - remedy?

[Transit-man-van]

This is happening quite often. Also it is warmer now so not a freezing issue.

The handbrake will be stuck fast after pulling the handbrake down to off position and I somehow figured out that I can 'clunk' it off by revving to reverse (simply because that is the orientation I am parked) and going to drive off. It makes a big clunk as mentioned and releases them. Is this bad for the van to do or harmless? If the latter I don't mind continuing to do this but am I still on borrowed time as to requiring a proper remedy?

It works fine in not wet conditions. Had less than a year so don't really recall if it happened since I have had it. I don't seem to remember it at the start and it is often wet as we know in the uk.

So ok to continue the clunk method and/or possible fixes preferably without having to resort to going to a mechanic but I am not confident beneath the vehicle so if that is what it takes then fine. I do not mind learning at all but depends on how involved it is.

My cursory research suggested feathering the handbrake while driving to possibly clear off any accumulated gunk which may be causing the issue.

[metalworker0]

would be different answers, if you had disk brakes or drum brakes ..so please say


all the best.masrk

[Altransit]

would be different answers, if you had disk brakes or drum brakes

Mark 7 will be disks all round

I park up w/out handbrake and in gear if it's wet, but then, my driveway is level

[Transit-man-van]

would be different answers, if you had disk brakes or drum brakes

Mark 7 will be disks all round

I park up w/out handbrake and in gear if it's wet, but then, my driveway is level

So is it ok to clunk it out? I did not notice the issue since posting hence why I only just got to check on this thread.

As an aside re parking in gear I thought that is fine and a backup even when on steep hills as a backup since the gear won't move when parked. People specifically do both I thought on hilly parks as a belt and braces thing.

[Altransit]

I've driven vans most of my life, many of them were overloaded and with handbrakes which were mediocre at best. Modern handbrakes are much improved, but even so, I still don't trust them, so I've developed a habit of leaving the van (or car) in gear when on any slope, and if there's a kerb, point a front wheel into the kerb.
It sounds like a faff, but it's second nature to me nowadays.

Just a note to say that unless you habitually press the clutch down when starting, you need to be careful when using the in-gear option

[Transit-man-van]

I've driven vans most of my life, many of them were overloaded and with handbrakes which were mediocre at best. Modern handbrakes are much improved, but even so, I still don't trust them, so I've developed a habit of leaving the van (or car) in gear when on any slope, and if there's a kerb, point a front wheel into the kerb.
It sounds like a faff, but it's second nature to me nowadays.

Just a note to say that unless you habitually press the clutch down when starting, you need to be careful when using the in-gear option

Yes I do the in gear method as habit now. I noticed my mum does it and just copied her since I began driving again. I do put the clutch down habitually. I have conversely accidentally forgotten to put the clutch down when parking once or twice and put it in gear too early without the clutch in or some such causing it to stall. Was not in a tight park either time I did that thankfully.

Also driven off with the handbrake on a couple of times wondering why there was so much drag .