Parking Brake and Rear Calipers

**DouglasB6** · 06-03-2011,06:58 PM

Had my 2.0 TDI SE back at main dealers 2 weeks ago because of flashing lamp in parking brake switch(the switch was replaced 1.5 years ago when parking brake locked on) and loads of noise from motors when applying parking brake. Was told the car required new calipers and that cost would be around £900 but that they could not do it as no parts in UK and they had 3 other Passats needing the same job done. This week things got worse flashing light on dash, on switch and constant beeping as soon as the car turns a wheel. Have been told by the delership that beep cannot be switched off and as I do a 70 mile commute each way daily the car is undriveable due to the noise. Is this a common fault on B6's. Also given the fact the dealership has 3 more cars with the same fault I am wondering how many more cars there are like this across the UK. Surely my local dealership can't be the only one in the UK with this issue.

**martin1810** · 06-03-2011,07:48 PM

It's a fairly common problem as the cars get older. The recent bad weather has made things worse.

**varouj** · 06-03-2011,11:29 PM

I had the same problem with my car.It was the offside rear that stoped working and after following Martins good writeup about the stripping and cleanig the motor on the caliper I managed to free it.After opearating the parking brake a few times all the warning lights went off.Mine had a long crack on the body of the motor which water got in and did the damage.Will try to buy two new motors when they are in stock.

DSG4ME · 07-03-2011,12:35 AM

Check it's the caliper at fault, I seem to remember you can buy the motor for about £40, as a caliper has no electrics in it, and unless the seal has gone or it leaks there is no reason to trash a perfectly good caliper, VW honesty as usual, same thing with the steering lock, a repair they insisted needed a new coloumn at a cost of a grand became a £350 repair, funny how it arrived at the sametime weight was gaining to sue them for poor parts isn't it.

**Amsel** · 07-03-2011,12:39 AM

I have the same problem with the near side caliper, there aren't any motors in the UK either if that is the only problem.

I am going to try and free it off myself tomorrow

**Zooty** · 10-03-2011,07:15 PM

Mine is in the same state. Started to get warnings and parking brake failing to apply in January. Took it to dealer who ordered a new caliper and quoted £480. Will question this now if only the motor needs changing.

Parking brake seized on a week later so have been unable to move car for six weeks.

Have been told parts not expected in UK until early April. That's another month carless. There is a problem with supply from the factory, but no further details forthcoming. I wonder if the cold weather this year has caused a major outbreak of brake motor failures across Europe?

Not at all happy with VW and the Passat. This is the fourth major failure I've had in 12 months. Car fit for purpose? I think not.

**martin1810** · 10-03-2011,07:23 PM

Why not just wind the piston back by hand and drive the car ?

**Zooty** · 10-03-2011,07:50 PM

Because I wouldn't know where to start, and I can be a bit of a brown midas when it comes to things mechanical so messing with the brakes doesn't seem wise to me.

Is it something I could do? How exactly would I do it?

Thanks if this can get me back on the road safely!

**Amsel** · 10-03-2011,09:00 PM

The motor is only held on by two T30 torx bolts. Remove them and then use a T45 to wind off the brake yourself, turn the screw clockwise to release the brake.

have a look at Martins website which shows you how to.

http://sites.google.com/site/1810mar...ric-park-brake

Winding off the brake will at least get you back on the road again as I have done until I can get another motor

**Zooty** · 11-03-2011,02:01 PM

Hi, can anyone confirm that the motor is available on its own as a genuine VW part? Does anyone have the part number? My dealer are claiming that only a complete caliper+motor unit is available.