C5 - Worn Cables/pipes Can Anyone Advise!?!?

[kenai]

Hi everyone, first of all I'm new so go gentle with me and my car mechanical knowledge is very poor! I recently changed my front tyres and noticed a worn pipe or cable slightly behind but above the front brake discs, this was on both sides. The pipe/cable is rubbing where it passes through an oval metal ring where it is obvious a rubber grommet has failed. First of all does anyone know what this pipe/cable is for and secondly has anyone any idea of the cost to correct this problem. Thanks for your time

[Johndouglas]

I think what you are looking at is the handbrake cable. On a C5 the handbrake is on the front wheels. Yes! the cable passes through a looped ring but the rubber sheething round the actual inner and outer cable is quite thick and even if it is damaged slightly, it won't affect the operation of the brakes. If you look at the end of the cable where it connects to the lever, you need to make sure that the lever moves freely according to how the handbrake is used. Best to get a helper to pull on the handbrake - then release it while you watch to see if the lever moves to its off position. If it doesn't, the handbrake cables are dragging and they will cause the brake to stay on when you think it's off. That will cause the brake and hub to overheat. Also use much more fuel.

 

Part of the cables - the parts that you cannot see pass through metal tubes. In theory the cables should pull out of the tubes, but in practice they tend to stay in so very often, when the cables need replacing, they replace the two tubes and the two cables. Replacements for the four parts is around £70 plus the labour.

 

PS: Reference your PM. I've removed your unwanted posts.

[kenai]

Thanks for that Johndouglas I was just worried about the signs of obvious recent wear as the cable is shiny and its clearly been rubbing. I've not noticed any signs of the handbrake feeling as if it's still on when off but I will check as you've suggested. I will look at replacing the handbrake cables after my MOT, fingers crossed it won't be too expensive! Thanks again. 

[paul.h]

I think you will probably find your cables are ok and should not need replacing. If they do the MOT will highlight it. On the C5 Technical section there are pinned posts on the brakes which are worth a read if thinking of doing any work on them.

 

If you are new to the C5, before jacking it up the suspension should be raised to max height to avoid possible problems with the suspension - this is in the handbook somewhere. Also if you go underneath the car you should always use axle stands since if the height adjusters on the front and rear anti roll bars are knocked, the car could drop to a very low level.