Re: E-Brake sticking

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

Hi Phil;

    The stronger return springs may help if the problem is caused by the
e-brake arm on the caliper sticking, but I don't think they will help very
much if the cables are sticking. They may have to exert as much force as
your arm can on the e-brake lever, and you can't get a spring that strong!
    I think the stronger return springs may improve the overall operation of
the e-brake system and extend the time between service, but the downside may
be that when the brakes start to stick with the stronger springs, the
e-brake arm shafts are even more corroded.
    IME when the cables start to stick, they are finished - they cannot be
repaired. On my last replacement I filled the cable boots with silicone
grease to try to keep the moisture (and road salt) out and extend cable
life.

Fred Munro
'91 200q  276k km

----- Original Message -----
From: Phil Rose <pjrose@servtech.com>
To: <quattro@audifans.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 20, 1999 4:53 PM
Subject: Re: E-Brake sticking


> Fred,
> From your reply (partially quoted) it's not clear to me if would you agree
> that there is much to be gained by replacing the OEM return springs with
> stronger ones, as has been suggested by certain other listers. Presumably
a
> much stronger e-brake spring made by Ford (Germany) will fit our Girling
> rear brakes (or so we're told). I'd hope that upgraded springs would
> significantly reduce the frequency at which your useful procedure would
> needed. Unfortunately, I've not yet been able to locate these springs on
> this side of the Atlantic--with local Ford/Scorpio dealers claiming that
> the European p/n is useless to them. I'm still hopeful--maybe with the
help
> of an overseas qlister.  :-)
>
> Phil
>
> >Date: Sat, 19 Jun 1999 22:08:50 -0400
> >From: "Fred Munro" <munrof@isys.ca>
> >Subject: Re: E-Brake sticking
> >
> >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.
>
>
> Phil Rose Rochester, NY
> '91 200q mailto:pjrose@servtech.com
> '89 100
>
>
>