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Handbrake problem, help?
Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2019 12:52 am
by ixReaperrr
I bought my 2010 1.6 TDI Polo last week and noticed the handbrake was very loose. At least 6-7 clicks. Today i was parked on a very steep hill and the handbrake could not hold the car regardless of how high i pulled it up. Can you adjust the handbrake on these or do i need new brakes?
Re: Handbrake problem, help?
Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2019 11:22 am
by RUM4MO
First thing needing doing is to strip down the rear brakes and service them, only then move on to adjusting the cable, 9 times out of 10 servicing/fixing the brakes sorts these issues out.
Jumping in and adjusting the cable length is a game for mugs.
Re: Handbrake problem, help?
Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2019 12:38 pm
by ixReaperrr
Sorry this is my first car, what do you mean by servicing the rear brakes?
Re: Handbrake problem, help?
Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2019 1:04 pm
by joe6
If you bought it from a garage a week ago then return it to them as it would not pass a MOT. Otherwise servicing the brakes involves removing wheels and stripping down the rear brake assemblies and checking free movement of all moving parts. It is likely the auto adjust that takes up normal brake wear has seized. Only then look at the brake cables.