Brake issues - handbrake; warning light.

[alexl102]

Hi,

I bought a 2002 A4 Avant back in March. The brakes had been replaced not long before I bought it (according to the dealer; another garage I use regularly confirmed that they are basically new).

I've been having an issue with the handbrake in that even if I pull it as far & as tight as it'll go - which isn't far - on a gradient the car will still move if you lean on it or anything like that. The cable's very taught so it seems like the brakes aren't applying properly.

Secondly I'm finding that when I brake for more than 3-4 seconds or brake firmly and quickly, pressure builds up very fast in the pipes, as it would if I was pressing the brake with the engine off. The only way to release this pressure is to release the pedal and then press the accelerator - just releasing the brake pedal doesn't help.

Finally, last week I had a warning light pop up on my dash - (O) - which I understand refers to brake pads. It now pops up after about 10 minutes driving, but if you switch the engine off it disappears until mid-way through your next journey.

Just wondered if anyone can make any sense of this? Someone suggested that the brake servo or master cyclinder might be faulty. Am I in for a huge bill?

Cheers!

[nevo]

Firstly the brake warning light is most likely a wear indicator being faulty or a bad connection,secondly the hard brake pedal could be the servo but I would check see if your tandem pump is supplying enough vac or a split vac hose to the servo,with regards to the handbrake could be seized cables.

[arman123]

Get a scan for fault codes

[zollaf]

rear calipers seized, vacuum pipe not working properly, presuming 1.9 tdi then most liklely a loose pipe or a broken or un connected pipe, and a sensor not working.

[alexl102]

Firstly the brake warning light is most likely a wear indicator being faulty or a bad connection,secondly the hard brake pedal could be the servo but I would check see if your tandem pump is supplying enough vac or a split vac hose to the servo,with regards to the handbrake could be seized cables.

Get a scan for fault codes

rear calipers seized, vacuum pipe not working properly, presuming 1.9 tdi then most liklely a loose pipe or a broken or un connected pipe, and a sensor not working.

Thanks guys, yes it is the 1.9tdi. I'll look into those, really appreciate the help.