Re: E-Brake sticking

["Fred Munro" <munrof@isys.ca>]

Hi Jay:

    The most common cause of a sticky e-brake is bad cables. The cables rust
in the sheath and create enough drag that the return springs can't back the
pads off the disc.
    To check, remove both cables from the e-brake arms on the rear calipers.
Pull up on the e-brake lever (gently!) in the car and push it back down. You
should be able to easily pull out the cables at the caliper end to their
full extension. Chances are one (or both, or the main cable attached to the
hand lever) is dragging. The fix is replacement of the bad cable(s).
    While the cables are off the calipers, cycle the e-brake arms. They
should return to the stops under the pressure of the return springs. If they
do not, remove the springs and pry the arm up with a large screwdriver. The
arm will pop up about 1/2", letting you get at the shaft with a strip of
fine emery cloth. Clean up the rust on the shaft, polish it with a bit of
crocus cloth, and lube it with a waterproof lube. Pop the arm back down. It
should be free enough that it now returns to the stop without the aid of the
return spring.
    While you are at the calipers, remove the bolts from the guide pins and
pull the caliper off. Check that the guide pins move freely. These pins tend
to seize up, reducing the braking force at the rear. I have to remove,
clean, and lube mine annually to keep the rear brakes working properly. You
may need new rubber boots to protect the pins - these come in a kit with pin
lube and new caliper bolts. Note that the Bentley recommends replacing these
bolts every time they are removed, although some listers use loctite on the
old bolts.

HTH

Fred Munro
'91 200q  275k km

----- Original Message -----
From: <JAYTRES@aol.com>
To: quattro list <quattro@audifans.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 19, 1999 4:53 PM
Subject: E-Brake sticking


> Hello Q List,
>
> My e-brake recently started sticking/not releasing after use of the
> e-brake. I heard that this a common problem and was wondering if anybody
knew
> how to fix this problem.
> Thanks for the help,
>
> Jay
>
> 1990 200 TQ  Konis/H&R  81.5K
> Vail, Co
>