[s-cars] Dragging Brake

[Dave C]

Dave Dawson wrote ...
"... symptoms of water in ye 'ole e-brake cable housing.? One of the most
annoying Audi attributes. The water gets in there, freezes around the cable
causing resistance.? Result is a sticking rear brake.? Based on your
description, this is what you've got.? Jack up the rear, and take a suitable
prying instrument to your rear caliper... where the cable attaches.? Pull
the lever in the direction of the wheel, and that will release the brake.
Since water can and will get in, your best bet is to refrain from using the
e-brake during wet and below freezing weather. Sad but true..."

Dave Dawson,
Thanks for this very timely bit of wisdom.  One of my cars (1987 5KS) has
been up on jack stands for the past few days while I was scratching my head
over this exact problem.  I don't think I'd have figured it out on my own.
Now I see that the rubber booties at the forward end of both e-brake cables
are rotted to pieces.  When I unhooked one of them a few drops of water
started to drip out.  What especially irritates me is that these are Gemo
(OEM) cables which were replaced two years ago.  Prior to that the originals
lasted 18 years with the rubber thingy's still intact.

Is there a better quality replacement than Gemo?

I've found three different brands available ... Gemo, Cofle, and FTE.  Any
recommendations?  MAybe I should just put the 18 year old rubber thingy's on
a new set of Gemo's?

thanks,