Hi Folks. I have replaced both handbrake cables and the NSR brake caliper, along with  new discs and pads due to the NSR brake sticking which was causing it to get a little warm. I worked out pretty quickly that the NSR caliper handbrake lever was not returning fully and had to be manually pushed back onto it's stop. 

The issue I have is, the handbrake lever is still not returning fully and the brake is still getting hot. (Only on the NSR)

Is there a process for setting up the brake caliper adjustment before the connecting and adjusting the handbrake cable and could this be causing the issue? Thank you. 

 

 

 

Edited 25 June, 20241 yr by johnthomas99

Sorry....Fabia Vrs 1.9tdi 55reg. 

Have you fitted the helper springs from the VW/Audi application?

Yes, the replacement caliper actually came with these helper springs but I did have a set fitted to the originals as well. Thanks. 

Your caliper really needs a strip down and clean up with seals replaced. Once the handbrake lever starts sticking that means that corrosion has started to build up inside and grip the lever axle. Most folk don't bother with stripping rear calipers though and just replace them as it's easier.

 

In the meantime, you could try getting some loose oil into the caliper. Behind the handbrake lever there is a rubber dust cover, if you can get a small screwdriver to lift the cover. If you have a straw on the oil tin poke it in under the cover and apply plenty. If you don't have a straw, spray the oil on to your screwdriver and let it run down under the cover.

 

Once you've got a good dose under the dust cover, work the lever back and fore and you should feel it free up. Keep applying oil and working the lever and you should get it reasonably free. Obviously this won't last that long but it might keep you from cooking your brake before you get a permanent fix. Hope that helps.

Edited 25 June, 20241 yr by HeavyMetalRich

Thanks for the reply. Yes, this is what I did with the original caliper to keep it limping along but the caliper is now new along with the handbrake cable and the caliper HB lever is still sticking? I'm wondering if there's a process to setting up the caliper before the HB cable is adjusted?

Did you change the alloy pipes that the cables go through on their way out of the car body?

Might be sticking within there if not, due to corrosion build-up.

Thanks for your reply Pete. I haven't changed these aluminium tubes but it's a good point. I cleaned them out as best I could with a drill bit and the metal ferrules of the new cable slid in nicely with some copper grease around them. It does appear that the cable on the NS is sticking even though it's new so I guess there's not much else it could be. I'll check this out and report back. Appreciate your advice.

14 hours ago, johnthomas99 said:

Thanks for the reply. Yes, this is what I did with the original caliper to keep it limping along but the caliper is now new along with the handbrake cable and the caliper HB lever is still sticking? I'm wondering if there's a process to setting up the caliper before the HB cable is adjusted?

 

Ah, I hadn't realised it was a new caliper.

 

Yes if everything else is new I would say the tubes are furred up too. I did ones on a Golf a few years back and although they looked fine, they disintegrated in my hands as I removed them.