HandBrake - 5000 CSTQW

[Swann, Benjamin R. (BSWANN)]

Paul,

This is the type of helpful information I was looking for, and would have
missed it had I not checked the archives.

Perhaps my cables aren't as free as they seem by handbrake feel.  I'll try
lubricating, then replacement.

I'll also check the adjustment screws you refer to.

I may be able to get the brake operational, while I order (some more) parts
- (parts required to maintain two quattros in past year=about $800.  Parts
not required  - upgrades and such > $2500.)   Still not bad. - if one
doesn't mind DIY.

Thanks,

Ben Swann
+++++++++++++++++++++
Of the four 86-88 5KCSTQs I have purchased, 3 have need the brake cables
replaced. It's relatively easy (as Audi things go), so I keep a set of
e-brake cables (one for each side) in stock for such occasions. Ron at the
parts connection sells either of them for in the low $20 range. The dealer,
amazingly, gets around $35 for the left and $65 for the right. Go figure. I
have bought from the dealer and Ron and the cables, while not absolutely
identical, do not suffer by comparison. They're one of the nicest buys on
any Audi parts. THESE ARE NICE CABLES.

If you're going to keep an 87 5KTQ, you need to get friendly with how these
cables work. There is an adjustment screw that lives above the drive shaft
and almost directly underneath the handbrake lever. It's only accessable
from under the car. If you have small hands and don't mind contorting
yourself, you can adjust it without removing the drive shaft. It's
relatively easy to remove the 2 bolts that hold the center bearing in place,
then lower the drive shaft slightly to get easier access to the adjuster.
Just be sure to put the bolts back exactly where you found them, since it's
easy to move the position slightly fore and aft or sideways without
intending to. 

Most likely, you have one or both of the cables at least partially frozen
inside its sheath. They corrode from winter salt and such. You can sometimes
free up a cable temporarily by using WD-40 and elbow grease, repeatedly
engaging then releasing the lever. This has never really worked for me,
though. I have replaced both cables on 2 vehicles and the left sider on one
other. Just do it. They're cheap, and it gives you peace of mind knowing
that the hand brake is working at top efficiency.

Paul Meyers 
Gray 87 5KCSTQ 1.8bar eurolights fuchs 145 kM, needs loom transplant 
Pearl 88 5KCSTQ 1.8bar eurolights fuchs bilsteins 125 kM 2pc-em k24 turbo 
Metallic White 87 5KTQW 191 kM daily driver
Blue 86 5KCSTQ parts car 


-----Original Message-----
From: Swann, Benjamin R. (BSWANN) [mailto:BSWANN at arinc.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2000 6:54 AM
To: 'quattro at audifans.com'
Subject: HandBrake - 5000 CSTQW

The handbrake on my '87 5000 cstqw has been marginal, and only holding on a
relatively flat surface.  I cleaned the rotors with some brakecleen awhile
back and that helped for awhile.

I finally got around to installing new rotors and pads, even though the old
ones weren't all that worn. 

Now I find I have virtually no handbrake at all.  It seems there is plenty
of tension in the handbrake cable, and I'm wondering if there is some kind
of adjustment(not adding tension to the main cable) I must make to get the
handbrake to work properly.  The Bently wasn't entirely clear, and suggested
only having to loosten (not tighten) some adjusting cog at the calipers if
the pads were changed.

I didn't take a long hard look at the hardware as I didn't expect a problem,
but the cables, etc. seemed to be just fine - no rust etc.

Any suggestions for a quick fix?

Thanks,

Ben Swann
'87 5kcstqw