MoT Failure - Handbrake

[David's8]

Failed due to handbrake not meeting spec. I did think that it was getting near the stops. The garage are holding the car pending further investigation on monday but i fear that the cables are stretched. The calipers were refurbed in 2015 and then sent back to Big Redd for an "out of warranty" refurb due to a leaking handbrake shaft seal in 2019 so they SHOULD be ok . Are the cables still available? Does anyone have the part No to hand?
Its a pity this happened right now as I was about to try and steer some minor paint repairs and a detailing through the Financial Scrutiny Committee. (Consist of 1 member)

[steamship]

Left side is 4D0609721K
Right side is 4D0609722K

Both available from Audi Tradition (purchasing issues for UK buyers, although Dean can assist with that). Right side is 77 Euro and left side on offer for 36 Euro. Cheaper brands available on eBay.

[David's8]

Thanks Sean

[MikkiJayne]

Just tighten it up. Replacing them is a hell of a job involving a lot more stuff than just the cables (exhaust and propshaft off, things will get broken).

Tightening needs a 4 foot extension and a 13mm socket and can be done without removing anything, although it helps being on a lift. Just a couple of turns on the nut is usually all it takes.

[Zip]

I would check that the handbrake lever on one (or both) of the callipers hasn’t seized. I just went through the same thing at MOT time. Both of my rear callipers have been refurbed, but with little use, the handbrake mech does seize remarkably frequently…..nothing to stop crud getting in. It feels like the cable has stretched, but it may be fine. I had a spare calliper, swapped it out, and handbrake now engages with 3 or 4 clicks..

Zip

[David's8]

Originally Posted by MikkiJayne

Just tighten it up. Replacing them is a hell of a job involving a lot more stuff than just the cables (exhaust and propshaft off, things will get broken).

Tightening needs a 4 foot extension and a 13mm socket and can be done without removing anything, although it helps being on a lift. Just a couple of turns on the nut is usually all it takes.

That's what i was hoping ( I read the manual on replacement - even tightening is, as you say, a PITA which in the service manual requires propshaft removal! WHO DESIGNED THAT!?) and I havent got a lift! I'll have a face to face meeting with the garage on Monday.
Thanks for the response - Ill certainly make sure they check out the mechanism at the caliper, Zip

[MikkiJayne]

Assuming the garage has a lift, or at least an MoT pit, then the adjuster nut can be reached with a long extension over the top of the exhaust. Its fiddly but entirely possible without taking anything apart. I'm sure I posted a picture of it somewhere - possibly in the barnfind FE thread.

[David's8]

Thanks MJ, yes i was looking for that in order to educate the local garage guy and to have a sound basis for that that discussion

[MikkiJayne]

The adjuster is in here, above the prop where the green arrow is.

I go in from above the centre silencer with a long extension, over the top of the exhaust and propshaft.

[David's8]

Thanks MJ