macsA4Q1.8

In this extreme cold (for WA state) I've had 2 occasions where the rear passenger side brake is locked up when I start the car & try to drive somewhere. Car has been sitting overnight and the temp outside has been in the 20s.

This happens only on rear pass side brake

My plan is:
1) bleed that caliper - taking note if excessive pressure has built up & not released (pressing brake pedal a few times before bleeding).

2) check that the caliper is working - mechanism slides (no excessive grease - moisture build up)

What else should I be looking for?

Anything on the parking brake that could cause this condition?

Car is 2002 A4 Q with manual, has 115K miles, new to me 3 weeks ago, overall well maintained.

Thanks - I appreciate any insights.

Mike

lyleswk

Yes. Sticking parking brake cable will definitely cause this. I had this with my previous A4.

macsA4Q1.8

Yesterday I examined everything more closely. The rubber seal on the parking brake cable was torn & water was pooled over the cable (at end by caliper). Brakes worked fine at that point with the outside temperature above freezing.

I sprayed a generous amount of WD 40 on both left and right pb cables near the caliper, taking care to cover brake rotors & pads from any overspray.

Up this morning with overnight temperatures down in the 20s and the same problem again!

There must be enough water down in the length of the cable sheath to freeze overnight. Looks like I'll end up replacing the passenger side cable and pads on both rear wheels (due to temp damage on passenger side).

Only the passenger side rear brake is dragging.

Is there anything else I need to consider?

Parking brake cable on driver's side appears ok - seal not torn & brake not sticking.

Can I replace just passenger side brake cable?

Thanks

Mike

macsA4Q1.8

Thanks Lyleswk - I'm planning to replace the cable shortly; can I do just the passenger side or do they need to be replaced in pairs?

Mike

lyleswk

I never fixed mine as the car was totaled shortly after this started happening, so am not sure if it is one cable or 2 separate ones.

macsA4Q1.8

Last weekend I replaced the parking brake cable on the passenger side. Cables are the same for either side.

Not sure about forum etiquette, but I can share a link to another forum with a great writeup on how to do the job.

the absolute worst part was the very last plastic clip holding the cable above the driveline near where it enters the car. Very tight space to work & tough clip to open.

Brakes are good again!

Mike

BernieBenz

Do you still have the link to ebrake cable replacement?

lyleswk

Quick search on ECSTuning:

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...4_brake_cable/