Morris Minor Owners Club

Well my brothers had his right at the top,and after a few miles the clutch started slipping horribly on hills. He thought he'd knackered it and it was mean of me to tell him he probably had! But I did re adjust it for him

I think I probably had a good instructor.... (but I was learning the minor at the same time!) Nothing was mentioned about engine braking (sp?) and I did do it the test.... I was told never to pull the handbrake on the ratchet because it wears out, and not so sit stationary, in gear, for more than a few seconds (this was 3 1/2 yrs ago)

I would think the wear on the handbrake ratchet problem must almost unnoticeable, however I would agree about NOT using the gears to slow down with . Its what brakes are for and it's much easier/cheaper to replace a set of brakes than a gearbox.

Using engine braking as well not only gives an extra bit of control, but reduces chances of brake fade.

By the time you're down to 15/20mph in top or 4th in a modern car just how good a response will you get if you need to bury the loud pedal to avoid something?

ianselva wrote:I would think the wear on the handbrake ratchet problem must almost unnoticeable, however I would agree about NOT using the gears to slow down with . Its what brakes are for and it's much easier/cheaper to replace a set of brakes than a gearbox.

Handbrake wear probably is unnoticeable on a modern. disposable car, but Mogs are still going after at least 35 years, and it would be nice to keep them on the road. With all due respect, these are the reasons why I find the arguments for gears to go, brakes to slow so silly. Engine braking is vital on a drum braked car - it's one of the thinings the gearbox "is for"

As for sitting at lights in gear with foot on the clutch, what happens if the foot slips? Either stall or jump forward and expensive crunch. Good driving requires that the gear is matched to road speed and conditions. Therefore if slowing down of course one should be in a lower gear. It's called planning and anticipation. I'm quite happy to learn new tricks when they make sense, but some of these modern ideas are just plain silly, even dangerous.

...and surely slowing down to 10 MPH in top gear isn't doing the engine and 'box any good anyway? I'm turning into an old grouch, but I think I'll stick with the "right" way
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Handbrake wear probably is unnoticeable on a modern. disposable car

My brother-in-law has just had to have the handbrake on his 3 year old Mondeo replaced due to ratchet wear. He didn't know he should press the button in when applying the brake and this has cost him a small fortune.

Another thing that anyone that has passed the driving test in the last 5/10 years (maybe more?) must remember.

You have passed the test NOT learned to drive.

Learning to drive is a very different matter.

You learn the rules and the basics, and then you learn by practice, in real life on the wild open road.

Another thing that anyone that has passed the driving test in the last 5/10 years (maybe more?) must remember.

You have passed the test NOT learned to drive.

Learning to drive is a very different matter.

Having passed my test 3 years ago I agree with that wholehartedly, you get taught how to pass the test, not how to drive in various situations. For example when I passed I had never driven at night or in the rain. There is a very steep learning curve when you start driving on your own

I'm with Cam on this one. When Carrie is finally sold Hebe is up on the ramps and the clutch adjustment is getting done. We're at the stage where she makes horrid noises if I forget to double-de-clutch in every gear ! Thankfully I'm not doing large distances in her...