A4 Golf handbrake adjustment

pogo

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2002
Location
Denville, NJ
TDI
Golf/02/5spd 230K Passat SE/12/DSG 50K
The parking brake on my '02 Golf (24K mile) has become noticably looser
over the past month. When new, it offered some resistance before it got
to the first click. Now there's about an inch of play with no resistance
whatsoever, and the handbrake sets much higher.

Just eyeballing the outer rear pads through the wheel, they look like
they're close to the 7 mm wear limit. (new pad and backing plate should
be 14mm)

I saw a post which describes the proper adjustment procedure, but
also says that adjustment shouldn't be necessary unless a new cable is
installed, or new calipers/rotors are put in, because the rear brakes
are self adjusting.

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthreaded.p...amp;o=&vc=1

My questions are: What other problems should I be checking for, with a
loose handbrake, and, how is the center console extension removed so the
handbrake can be adjusted?
 

dqa

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2002
Location
Alabama
TDI
RIP: 1999½ New Golf GL TDI satin silver
You can find part of your answer here:

Parking brake cable replacement, step by step

Removal of the console is pretty easy, and tightening the nut is simple and self-explanatory once you get in there, especially if you've got the ratcheting 10mm wrench.

I'll let others more experienced speculate on the underlying problems you may have.
 

pogo

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2002
Location
Denville, NJ
TDI
Golf/02/5spd 230K Passat SE/12/DSG 50K
Nice write-up, dqa. Thanks. Ought to have this is the FAQ section.

The original instructions, which refered to moving the
ashtray towards the dash, and away from the shifter,
are a bit puzzling.
 
Top