FABIA VRS BINDING REAR BRAKES AND FUEL CONSUMPTION

[Broadbean]

Just recently noticed an increase in fuel consumption on my Fab Vrs. I commute 100 miles daily mainly A roads and usually achieve a respectable 53 MPG. The last few weeks saw it drop to 45MPG. Having investigated further and ruled out the MAF, it was observed that the rear brakes were binding with the handbrake off. I could still turn them with reasonable force though. I serviced the calipers and used a swiss file to clean the metal guide clips. I reassembled the units and applied decent Rocol copper slip to the sliding edges. However, apart from this I noticed that my return springs were missing off the handbrake assembly on the caliper, which probably explains the problems I had experienced. I am baffled as to where they had gone and find it amazing that both had gone. Has anyone else experienced the phenomena!!!! :|

[Auric Goldfinger]

Just recently noticed an increase in fuel consumption on my Fab Vrs. I commute 100 miles daily mainly A roads and usually achieve a respectable 53 MPG. The last few weeks saw it drop to 45MPG. Having investigated further and ruled out the MAF, it was observed that the rear brakes were binding with the handbrake off. I could still turn them with reasonable force though. I serviced the calipers and used a swiss file to clean the metal guide clips. I reassembled the units and applied decent Rocol copper slip to the sliding edges. However, apart from this I noticed that my return springs were missing off the handbrake assembly on the caliper, which probably explains the problems I had experienced. I am baffled as to where they had gone and find it amazing that both had gone. Has anyone else experienced the phenomena!!!! :|

In return springs I assume you mean the ones that fit into the holes on the handbrake assembly. The Fabia Vrs didn't have them fitted in the first place. I have had some fitted, you can get them from an Audi dealer as it's an Audi part number

Do a search for " Handbrake springs " and see what comes up.

[Broadbean]

Thanks Auric. I thought that they were fitted as original items. I have noticed a few threads on fitting them and upgrading to Sharan springs to stop the binding issues.

[rum4mo]

Thanks Auric. I thought that they were fitted as original items. I have noticed a few threads on fitting them and upgrading to Sharan springs to stop the binding issues.

Yup that's the ones to get, after you fit them remember to windback the pistons fully (again) - and maybe slacken the handbrake cable slightly so that there is obsolutely no binding at all - job done!

Edited 29 March, 2010 by rum4mo

[mrgf]

We all know the tune so here goes...

"Goldfinger"(da-do-do) "He's the man, the man with the binding brakes",

"Drives an old minger" (da-do-do) "Just noticed, that far too much fuel it takes"

"Fix the springs and lube the cable", "You will find it's much more able"

"To drive a short or long haul dash", without stripping you of hard earned cash",

"gold finger" (da-do-do) etc, etc.

[dfullb]

We all know the tune so here goes...

"Goldfinger"(da-do-do) "He's the man, the man with the binding brakes",

"Drives an old minger" (da-do-do) "Just noticed, that far too much fuel it takes"

"Fix the springs and lube the cable", "You will find it's much more able"

"To drive a short or long haul dash", without stripping you of hard earned cash",

"gold finger" (da-do-do) etc, etc.

How the Words just Dance around on the Page

I have just ordered some Sharan springs for mine as per this post

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/137832-handbrake-cable-issue-on-my-vrs/page__hl__sharan__st__80

7M0 615 295 & 296

Dean

[ddraegcymru]

How the Words just Dance around on the Page

I have just ordered some Sharan springs for mine as per this post

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/137832-handbrake-cable-issue-on-my-vrs/page__hl__sharan__st__80

7M0 615 295 & 296

Dean

Hello, I'm in need of these springs too, I have the darn binding issue!!

Can you tell me where you ordered them?

Thanks

[Quinten]

Do not usually bump older threads, but this one describes exactly what I am experiencing!  Started yesterday when I heard a loud noise (over and above the radio and blower at full force) and a strange brake pedal feel.  After some careful listening and inspection I could not really see what was going on, other than knowing something was amiss with the rear pads.  This morning I casually looked at fuel consumption (normally get around 50mpg) and was very shocked to see 39mpg even though I had been driving like a good boy...

 

I take it I need the brake winding tool as if I was going to replace the pads just to fix this binding problem?  Any other specialist tools required (I will search later, but this thread was number three on Google for 'fabia vrs rear brake pads') ?

[eric87]

maybe just give the pads/contact areas a good clean.

[Quinten]

I've bought the caliper tool (£15/amazon) and new pads and discs (£50/ECP) and am going to attempt my very first brake job  What could possibly go wrong?

[Guest BigJase88]

If you need a new caliper i just got a re-manufactured one today from tms for £85 (give them your old one back)

That was on a 256mm rear caliper so a 232mm one may be cheaper!

Can't complain at that price

[Quinten]

Pfew, what a scorcher...  next time I'll wait till winter

 

Pads and discs replaced... the inner pad on the passenger rear was completely worn and a large piece of pad had broken off and got stuck between disc and shield causing a rattle going over humps.  All solved now though!