a4 b5 handbrake

**iamwills** · 29-12-2010,01:48 AM

a4 97 quattro handbrake . can this be ajustted , i have to pull it right up and does not really work that well . its a auto so i dont really use it but mot is about to run out, and i think it would faill, u have to lift it to max to work, thanks

**green A8** · 29-12-2010,07:05 PM

Had exactly the same problem on our '98 Avant a couple of years ago. On ours both rear calipers were seized and had to be replaced (Eurocarparts). Lack of use was blamed. I think adjustment is automatic on these cars.

If you're very lucky it might be just the pads are seized . I'm sure someone else will be along to offer help on this. I seem to recall that some special caliper piston wind back tool is needed. As stated above on our car it was a case of replace the calipers. I had the rear rotors and bearings done at the same time.

Kind Regards.

Paul.

**iamwills** · 30-12-2010,01:20 PM

ok thanks i had a spray around this morning with grease in a can,

**gjm123** · 03-01-2011,08:59 PM

Did the spray around sort the problem?

I've just replaced both handbrake cables on our A4 Quattro Avant and now the handbrake requires more 'clicks' to properly work than before. IIRC it is possible to manually adjust the cable(s) but I'd like this confirmed before I start digging around again!

MoT is tomorrow too...

**iamwills** · 04-01-2011,12:12 PM

no did not work , i was going to take wheel of and look at handbrake but i would probebly brake it. lol. i been pulling it up a lot wile driving around it works a little but not a lot. how did u get on .,..,

**iamwills** · 04-01-2011,12:15 PM

it grips but not enough to lock the wheel

**gjm123** · 04-01-2011,12:32 PM

I think mine works well enough, but won't know 'til later today! I parked it on a hill, gearbox in neutral and it didn't roll with the handbrake on. Too many clicks though.

Foot brake is also a bit softer than I would like, but the car had stood for several months. I've bled the brakes but suspect they'll need another look for me to be happy, even if it does pass the MoT. Could just be pad glazing, of course.

**spartacus 68** · 04-01-2011,04:55 PM

The rear brakes (piston and slider pins) are prone to seizing. The handbrake is auto-adjusting as the pads wear.

Dismantle brakes, clean and grease cylinder bore (under dust sleeve cover with Lockheed red grease, including slider pins) and reassemble. The piston bore needs to be screwed in using a wind-back tool. Most auto-shops sell them. I converted a Draper tool by hack-sawing off 2 of the 4 pins. Spray Duck Oil penetrating release on the spring assembly on the rear of the caliper. Use Copper-ease grease on the backs of the pads and face, etc. Worth bleeding the brakes in case any air trapped. With everything fitted, pump brakes with the engine switched on. To adjust the handbrake, pull the handbrake on several times. It should engage automatically. Normally one click and the brake pads make contact but wheel can still rotate.

More details here: http://www.audiworld.com/tech/wheel139.shtml

**gjm123** · 04-01-2011,06:07 PM

Thanks Spartacus.

I have new cables and while I'm fairly sure everything else was sorted and put back together properly, it's obviously worth checking.

Car failed the MoT - wipers not clearing the screen properly (it was greasy, there is no problem) and discoloured indicator bulbs. Some condensation in the indicator houses has removed some of the paint from the orange bulbs.