[radgolf]

When my handbrake is disengaged, there is about 1" of free play (at the button) which causes a really annoying and persistent rattle on most roads, probably caused some loose mechanical linkage parts. The handle is tight when I engage the parking brake and it works normally.
I brought it to the dealer and showed the guy how loose the handle was and he said they'd fix it. However, they later said that they couldn't find anything to tighten and stated on the invoice that the condition was "normal". I went into the showroom and looked at a 2001 GTI and there absolutely no play when parking brake handle was off.
I'm still under warranty 'til June so I plan on bringing it back again. Has anyone else had this problem? Does this sound normal to you guys?

 

[Haas]

Re: Is anyone else's handbrake handle loose? (radgolf)

I don't have this problem but I suggest you fix this problem before your warranty expires. I recently brought my car in to the dealership for a hand brake adjustment and they quoted me for US $80. I asked them to visually inspect my rear brake pads to see how much they have left....they said it would be USD 50 for them to look. Yes, just look, just bend the knees and stick their heads close to the wheel to look. No touching to the car.

 

[blackjetta18T]

Re: Is anyone else's handbrake handle loose? (waikn)

I had that same problem. It made a horrible rattling noise. VW had to replace the entire handle. They fixed it for nothing and I was out of warranty.
Good luck

 

[radgolf]

Re: Is anyone else's handbrake handle loose? (blackjetta18T)

Thanks! I'm going to take it back for warranty service just for the handbrake issue and insist that they either fix it, or replace, but that I won't accept that it's a "normal" condition.
VWVortex is empowering.

 

[Spiro SU]

Re: Is anyone else's handbrake handle loose? (Clone_number2)

quote:[HR][/HR]mine is... but maybe that's just because it's 17 years old

[HR][/HR]​

Funny. You think yours is still under warranty.

 

[Adam from Oz]

Re: Is anyone else's handbrake handle loose? (Spiro D)

Great I dug this one up.

My handbrake is shakeable when engaged. It wobbles from side to side and in a very cheap manner.
Pointed this out to the dealer when having some delivery problems fixed and the report came back as "consistent with the model"!

I've checked and about 50% do it and the rest don't.
I wanna be part of that other 50%.
Cheers,
Adam

 

[VgRt6]

Re: Is anyone else's handbrake handle loose? (radgolf)

How many clicks does it take for the e-brake to hold the car in place? It should be about 3 or 4. If it takes more, you can remove the center console piece that hold the e-brake and tighten up the cable slightly. That should take car of your problem.
Also, does the handle tighten up slightly when driving? Mine moves up about 1/4-1/2" when disengaged and the car stationary. When the car is moving, it's tight. I believe it is normal for this to happen.

 

[radgolf]

Re: Is anyone else's handbrake handle loose? (Adam from Oz)

Wow this is an old thread

. I walked the service guy over to a new GOLF and showed them, that free play is NOT normal and they agreed and finally fixed it. And you're right, something like this does make the car feel cheap. Mine is now drum-tight whether engaged or not. Let us know when they fix it!

 

[Adam from Oz]

Re: Is anyone else's handbrake handle loose? (radgolf)

Yeah,
It's gotta be fixed. But they reckon it's normal. All I really have to do is show them one that doesn't do it and I guess they have to fix it??
Cheers,
Adam