Which method is for the Superb?

The handbrake is self-adjusting on the B5.5 and if the cables have not been disturbed and the lever travel is too great, the caliper pistons have probably not been reset properly. If the pistons are fully retracted using the correct tool and new pads fitted, the handbrake is brought into operation by repeatedly depressing the footbrake (engine running) and operating the handbrake whilst the pedal is down.

The jacking screw inside the piston has quite a fine thread, so if you have wound the piston fully in and then fitted half-worn pads, it takes lots of brake applications to bring the self-adjusters into the correct position.

When I fit new rear pads, I wind the piston in by the minimum amount so the pads will only just slide in (watch the dust boot). This gives correct operation immediately.

rotodiesel.

The handbrake is self-adjusting on the B5.5 and if the cables have not been disturbed and the lever travel is too great, the caliper pistons have probably not been reset properly. If the pistons are fully retracted using the correct tool and new pads fitted, the handbrake is brought into operation by repeatedly depressing the footbrake (engine running) and operating the handbrake whilst the pedal is down.

The jacking screw inside the piston has quite a fine thread, so if you have wound the piston fully in and then fitted half-worn pads, it takes lots of brake applications to bring the self-adjusters into the correct position.

When I fit new rear pads, I wind the piston in by the minimum amount so the pads will only just slide in (watch the dust boot). This gives correct operation immediately.

rotodiesel.

Cheers Roto, I did wind it all the way back tbh, HB is still ok now but on a hill I noticed creeping still after about 4 notches.

This type of handbrake working on the disk via the caliper is always useless. This is partly because enormous mechanical leverage has to be applied to the pads which is inefficient and also because a hot disk will contract and partially release the handbrake when you park and it all cools off.

Drum brakes make much better parking brakes - big lining areas on the shoes need lower pressures and the drum contracts as it cools, pulling the brake on harder. Fashion makes rear drum brakes unwanted, although for most cars they are perfectly adequate.

Always leave a Superb in gear on a slope.

rotodiesel.

Always leave a Superb in gear on a slope.

In honesty, I find the handbrake so useless generally mine's always parked in gear.

Cheers Roto, I did wind it all the way back tbh, HB is still ok now but on a hill I noticed creeping still after about 4 notches.

5-6 should be fine for the Superb so dont be afraid to give it a bit more of a tug.

In order to minimise wear on the crazy force multiplication system inside the rear caliper, it's worth cultivating the habit of pressing the footbrake as you apply the handbrake. This allows the hydraulic system to take the load off the wear-prone mechanical parts of the caliper. It also results in the handbrake being more firmly applied for a given "notch" due to stiction in the mechanical system.

It's also worth pressing the footbrake just as you release the handbrake to similarly relieve the loading on the mechanics. After a few goes, it becomes automatic and will prolong the life of the rear calipers.

rotodiesel.

In order to minimise wear on the crazy force multiplication system inside the rear caliper, it's worth cultivating the habit of pressing the footbrake as you apply the handbrake. This allows the hydraulic system to take the load off the wear-prone mechanical parts of the caliper. It also results in the handbrake being more firmly applied for a given "notch" due to stiction in the mechanical system.

It's also worth pressing the footbrake just as you release the handbrake to similarly relieve the loading on the mechanics. After a few goes, it becomes automatic and will prolong the life of the rear calipers.

rotodiesel.

Hmm... good idea.

Thanks as ever, Roto.

Thanks for that Roto - anything to save a few quid.

Regards

John