Handbrake adjustment

[ytre]

Hello folks
Is the handbrake adjustment automatic on my 1997 A4 Diesel ?, checked round the lever but cant see anything to adjust

[spartacus 68]

Yes, it's automatic. However if it's not engaging properly, it could be the handbrake cable wire has corroded in the sleeve, or the calipers themselves are seized. It's not uncommon for the rear calipers to lock up. Pop the wheels off and get someone to operate the handbrake while you take a closer look.

If they're seized, then you'll need to rebuild them. Lockheed red grease under the dust-sleeve works well. Fit a new rubber 'o' ring too in the caliper bore. You'll need a universal brake wind-back tool to screw the caliper bore back into the housing. I bought a Draper tool and simply hacksawed off two of the pins so it seated properly. The brakes will need to be bled afterwards to remove any air in the system. Double-check the brake slide pins are not corroded, the dust sleeve isn't torn and they're properly lubricated. I use a little red grease for this job. Finally, give the spring mechanism on the caliper a liberal spray with Duck-oil penetrating release.

There is a nut on the handbrake yolk that you can manually adjust. Once everything's back together, apply the handbrake several times to manually adjust the rear brakes. With one click on the handbrake, the pads should make contact with the discs. Adjust the nut on the handbrake yolk if necessary.

In the off position, there should be no contact with the discs. You can test by driving the car for a few miles and coast to a stop. Now touch the discs. If they're warm, the caliper is possibly still sticking or you've overtightened the handbrake cable.

More details here regards the pads, adjusting caliper piston and brake bleed procedure. http://www.audiworld.com/tech/wheel139.shtml