Handlebrake light comes on when i accelerate hard.

[azncapcom]

When i suddenly mash the accelerator pedal, i see that the handbrake light comes on? Would this indicate something wrong with my handbrake? it still seems to work fine.

Also another question, it seems that my brakes are not retracting fully all the time. This would cause the car to struggle to accelerate sometimes as the brakes aren't fully retracted. would a brake pad replacement and brake bleed fix this? or would i have to start replacing other parts like calipers and stuff?

Thanks

[Crowbar911]

Is the brake fluid filled? It may mean that your fluid is low.

[azncapcom]

Originally Posted by Crowbar911

Is the brake fluid filled? It may mean that your fluid is low.

the fluid is fine. Also what is the thickness of new brake pads and brake shoes? so i can compare them to my current ones and see how they are?

Also would the brakes not retracting properly, would this be likely to be front or rear? I'm afraid one side the pistons might be seized because sometimes the car would pull right when i hit the brakes.

[1_grendal]

Originally Posted by azncapcom

the fluid is fine. Also what is the thickness of new brake pads and brake shoes? so i can compare them to my current ones and see how they are?

Also would the brakes not retracting properly, would this be likely to be front or rear? I'm afraid one side the pistons might be seized because sometimes the car would pull right when i hit the brakes.

Pads are fairly inexpensive, if you are going to pull them to gauge the thickness you might as well put on new pads,,, also generally you can tell by looking down at the to of the caliper were the pads make contact with the rotor and see how much pad you have left.
I would suggest (disclaimer-from personal experience only) that you pick up new pads then remove the front brakes. I would bet a whole buck that the pads are worn and that is why your brake light is coming on sometimes.
On my 02 the rear drums need a couple of bolts to remove them. I forget the exact size "I think" #8 about 1” long. Chances are the shoes are fine.
You are right the one reason why you are pulling to the right is that one of the calipers is sticking and a pad has worn down,,, pull the breaks apart and investigate (most likely the front).



good luck

[DjiNN]

When I had my Corolla, only time the Ebrake light came on is when my brake pads were low. I'll bet thats the problem!