Handbrake Loose

[Guest alipatch]

I have a 2.2hdi automatic and I recently had my front pads replaced by a non-citroen garage - the handbrake is now loose - is there a fix for this - I have since checked the pistons on the calipers and they are not seized - I don't think the garage followed the correct procedure during the relacement of the pads - the calipers are fairly new and the handbrake was perfect before they replaced the pads - help please!!!!! as my car is due its MOT in December.

[Johndouglas]

Although the handbrake needs to be released from the calipers, it should simply be reattached and be as before. On the C5 the pistons are wound back in opposite directions - anticlockwise for right hand; clockwise for left hand - and preferably done with bleed valves open. Maybe your garage didn't know that! Or maybe it just needs the pistons to be brought up to the discs. Try pulling on the handbrake whilst pumping the brake pedal - with engine running.

[coastline taxis]

When you say loose do you mean its not biting on the wheel or the lever inside the car is coming up to many notches

[Guest alipatch]

When you say loose do you mean its not biting on the wheel or the lever inside the car is coming up to many notches

 

Hi the handbrake lever comes up about a third of the way before any ratchet clicks - it is almost vertical when it's on but does't seem to bite properly.

 

Alipatch

[Guest alipatch]

Although the handbrake needs to be released from the calipers, it should simply be reattached and be as before. On the C5 the pistons are wound back in opposite directions - anticlockwise for right hand; clockwise for left hand - and preferably done with bleed valves open. Maybe your garage didn't know that! Or maybe it just needs the pistons to be brought up to the discs. Try pulling on the handbrake whilst pumping the brake pedal - with engine running.

 

 

have tried pulling and pumping but no change - should both sets of pads been changed simultaniously?

[Johndouglas]

should both sets of pads been changed simultaniously?

 

Yes - four pads - two on each wheel should be changed together. Also the lever raises quite a bit before reaching the first click but the brake should be reasonable firm by the time its on the fourth.