Sticking rear calipers and parking brake

[Bernie Benz]

First you must determine if the problem is in the caliper or in the  
parking brake cable. BTDT the latter. The best way to do that is to  
unhook the cable from the caliper and operate the lever by hand to  
determine if it freely returns to its stop. If so on both sides, you  
need to replace the cable.

Bernie


On May 30, 2009, at 12:48 PM, Scott Gilman wrote:

> Reading a post to the forum from Peter reminded me about my '91 200 TQ
> and persistent sticking rear calipers, usually as a result of the
> parking brake being engaged.  These days, the car is rarely used since
> we live in Manhattan and part of my free parking arrangement through
> work, is that the car cannot be taken out of the garage often.  In my
> area (UWS) it's about $550/month for a parking space.  I've had the
> car since new and the rear calipers and an assortment of problems
> related to the rear brake have occurred at least 4-5 times over the
> years.  Now, to the question, is there any way to re-build/replace the
> OEM rear calipers with something that won't stick.  The front brakes
> were replaced with an big brake kit from 2Bennett in CA.  The rear
> calipers get so stuck from the car sitting for weeks at a time, that I
> have to gun the engine to launch the Audi and unstick the calipers.  I
> try to keep car kept in gear, without the parking brake being set, but
> being that this is Manhattan the garage jockeys on occasion have to
> move it around once in a while, they usually forget my instructions
> and engage the parking brake.  The biggest and most persistent problem
> over the years has been the rear brakes.  Any advice on a recommended
> shop in the NYC area (within 50 miles) that has experience handling
> this type of problem would be appreciated.  A month ago, while on the
> New Jersey Turnpike, the rear brakes started sticking and I guess the
> brake fluid got too hot and basically shut down the brakes, the pedals
> went to the floor without effect.  Waiting an hour resolved the
> problem.  A garage checked over the brakes and nothing had seized but
> they did notice signs of rust--and they recommended that the car be
> driven regularly.  As noted above, that can't happen.
> Scott
> NYC
> 1991 20V TQ
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