Parking brake motor...cracked!

[A4nutter]

Hi guys,
Well I have just collected my car from the dealer after having my injectors replaced under warranty.


When I collected the car they told me they also run a diagnostic check and found a problem with the electronic parking brake. The fault light has been on for a few days but I presumed it was the switch as its common to go!

Anyway, they are saying on one side the "parking brake motor" is cracked causing it not to work on that side (MOT failure) She said its a common problem and when one side goes its likely the other side wont be far behind. Been quoted £693 to have both replaced, but she said as its a common problem VW customer services might pay or contribute toward the repair. Has anybody else had this problem? Did you get anything back from VW?

The car is a 2006 Passat B6 2.0tdi Sport with 91k miles and a full VW service history.

This car is fast becoming a money pit!!!!:mad:
Cheers,
Derek

[martin1810]

It is a common fault but price quote is too high. Why change both motors if only one is faulty. Seems daft to me.

[A4nutter]

I agree, wont be replacing the second one until it goes too!
I am going to get some other quotes, see if i can get it down a bit!!
D

[Deutsche]

Hi a new caliper comes in at approx £250 and the motor for the parking brake is attached an integral to this - Just had my Injectors replaced under warranty today and also have had a sticky motor for Parking brake.
Replacing Caliper is not difficult - its a simple job just need VCDS, Caliper and brake Pads + Fluid.
You are reasonably local to me - If you need VCDS Diagnostics I have a Registered Product and willling to help a fellow Forum member.

[mhurer]

Beginning to think the injector problem is a ploy by VW to drum up even more business ;-).

My car is having the injectors replaced at the moment and has failed the MOT with a cracked coil spring. Fortunately this is covered by the extended warranty. Also had to pay £299 for cambelt replacement, but fair enough as the car is 5 years old and apparantly the belt is showing signs of wear and tear. Had advisories on both front door control modules, but i'm ignoring that for now. The front parking sensors have failed again (replaced 2 years ago), but this may be down to bubbling chrome paint, so not covered by extended warranty.

I've owned many german cars before, including BMWs, but this car is proving to be the most expensive and unreliable.

[Deutsche]

This is definately a Ploy when mine was in Friday at Verve Wishaw they did a full Inspection and then listed the faults and the cost - also advised on timing belt - however had the Seller renew when I bought the car 6 months or so ago.
Interval replacement for timing belt 80,000 miles or 4 years. I found their prices not bad - but I always do the work myself if I can - limited by weather conditions lol.

Unfortunate your having so many issues with this car - Suspension parts are due primarily to our lovely roads around here - designed for decent roads which are smooth and not like a 4 wheel drive green lane course!
About to replace my rear shock absorbers and front wishbone bushes when parts arrive and its not raining.

To trade Im a Renal Nurse but been working restoring repairing cars since a very early age and am qualified in Automotive Engineering amongst other things - I can run diagnostics through VCDS PM me if help needed.

[A4nutter]

Ploy or not the parking brake warning light is on, so something is wrong! (auto-hold not working at all) I wouldn’t mind a second opinion though, don’t want to spend all that money unless I am sure its needed. I don’t normally used main dealers.

Coincidently a work colleague with a Passat the same age/miles, had one of his injectors go this morning leaving him stranded on the M74.

Deutsche - that’s very helpful, thank you. Have you replaced a parking brake motor before? Do you think the price quoted from Verve included calibers?

mhurer - my parking sensors also have a mind of their own, sometimes work sometimes don’t. I tend to just switch them off!

I really love this car, I just hope I can get these niggles sorted!!

Can anyone suggest somewhere I could try and get these parts instead of man dealer?
D

[Deutsche]

Thats not so good about your colleague!

I would imagine it included calipers as it is a sealed unit.
I get a trade discount at a local motor parts supplier - Calipers are (from a cursory look) available from Eurocarparts - may well be other suppliers too.

I can have a look at your system on Sunday at some stage when not at work.

[A4nutter]

Many thanks for your offer, but I have made arrangements to visit the "out-laws" through in Alexandria on Sunday! :(
I will try to phone around tomorow to see what prices I can get for the motor/calibers.
I have sent an e-mail off to VW customer services asking for some goodwill as seemingly its a common fault, wont hold my breath though!

[DSG4ME]

I thought you could just buy the motor now @ £45 ?


Has anyone considered doing a Martin on one and then re-sealing the outer casing with glue if it's a simple crack, I think it's poor that VW can ask such money for a caliper and then fit it with a 5p plastic housing that will break as soon as a stone hits it at speed or suffer temperature fatigue and fail, surely the motor cover should be aluminum at the very least?

[A4nutter]

Agreed, you can see on Martin's site (very helpfull) how flimsy the motor housing looks compared to the caliper. This is why I have written to VW. Surly such am important part which is exposed to the elements should be better protected!

So do you think the £214+vat quoted by the dealer is for the caliber and motor ?
Where can you get the motor only for £45 ?
D

[A4nutter]

Ok, just phoned my dealer.....the £214+vat in for the motor ONLY does not include the caliber!!!!!

[Amsel]

Ok, just phoned my dealer.....the £214+vat in for the motor ONLY does not include the caliber!!!!!

try Arnold Clark, caliper and motor were £215 + vat when I changed mine a few months ago. Coincidently after changing the n/s the o/s went within 2 days.

If it is the motor, which it probably is, then it can be easily removed by disconecting the electric plug and removing 2 torx screws. You should then be able to see the crack on the housing. Both mine were in the same place.

[A4nutter]

What Arnold Calark, Crow Road Glasgow gave me the same price as Verve!
I can now get a TRW (OE supplier) caliber+motor for £159.50+vat (new)
or a second hand motor only from a breaker for £125.
Do you think putting the OE one on one side while the other side is still original VW would be ok?
Is it worth considering a used part? Its came off a 2008 car. Did VW improve the quality of these parts later?
I am trying to spread out the cost by doing one at a time.
I am certianly no mechanic but is the motor only easy enough to replace as a DIY job? Would I need a firware/software update?

Funny enough yesterday and today I have not had any errors/warnings and the brake seems to be working fine!!
Going to get the wheels off at the weekend to check what the dealer is telling me, dont want to spend money on nothing.
D

[gireada2005]

Had my wheels blocked about 2 weeks ago ,the button failed with the hand brake engaged.I took the motors out free the wheels and put the motors back.In attempting to put the motors back I've breaked one motor where the screw is thighting up.Has anyone got a spare case and if is any chance to use the case to my one? maybe martin can help me out with this answer.Anyway changed the handbrake button which is working but haven't used it since then after.
It's not a big job changing the motors,but make sure they fit in their place before you start to tighten them up as you will brake the case housing like i did ,silly vw they made it from plastic.
I don't think you need the vcds once you've changed it,but that's just my opinion.Good luck with your car

[Amsel]

what arnold calark, crow road glasgow gave me the same price as verve! kilmarnock rd, glasgow
i can now get a trw (oe supplier) caliber+motor for £159.50+vat (new)
or a second hand motor only from a breaker for £125.
Do you think putting the oe one on one side while the other side is still original vw would be ok? if they supply vw then it should be the exact same
is it worth considering a used part? Its came off a 2008 car. Did vw improve the quality of these parts later? personally i wouldn't pay £125 for something with no guarantee and as for improving the part i asked the same, probably not as they all started to fail within the last year.
i am trying to spread out the cost by doing one at a time.
I am certianly no mechanic but is the motor only easy enough to replace as a diy job? Would i need a firware/software update? the motor only has two torx screws and the electrical connector and can be removed easily enough. As you are only removing the motor and not trying to move the brake caliper to a service position you shouldn't need to reset anything. To be on the safe side i would disconnect the battery before removing the connectors as the canbus can be a pain for throwing up warning lights that aren't a problem. Once the battery is connected again it might throw up warning lights that should go out once the car has been driven.

funny enough yesterday and today i have not had any errors/warnings and the brake seems to be working fine!!
Going to get the wheels off at the weekend to check what the dealer is telling me, dont want to spend money on nothing. when my first motor went it ran on and off without warning lights for a few days then the gears in the motor seized in the on position which was a pain in the **** removing the motor to manually wind the brakes off in the street. d

hth

[Deutsche]

No worries hope all goes well with VW

[Stuart W2]

Both mine have been replaced, one last winter and the other one a year previously, although my car is one of the earlier models and high mileage. One was cracked, the other I think the motor rusted and siezed.

I paid well over £400 for each side.

There seemed to be a rash of these last winter - probably due to the severe weather and that the earlier cars were getting to the age/mileage when the mechanism would get to the end of its natural life - and there was a supply problem as a consequence, with a several week wait at one point.

At that time you could only buy the combined motor/caliper from VW and I don't think pattern parts were available, hence the cost, but hopefully things are better now, as the quoted prices here seem to indicate.

Deffo the worst aspect of the Passat for me, thus far anyway. Never liked using it and clearly not durable enough for high-mileage/long-term use.

[zilspeed]

I should probably be thankful for the DSG then. Although, that won't help at MOT time, I guess.

[A4nutter]

Havent got it fixed yet as VW have contacted me with a contact name and case number saying they are "looking into it".
I will wait until they decide what they are doing before deciding wither what to order myself!
Will keep you all upated.
Thanks for all the advice!

[martin1810]

I believe the housing cracks when the drive gear cluster inside siezes. It then tries to turn in the plastic housing and cracks the housing. I could be wrong, but as they all seem to crack in roughly the same place, this seems a reasonable theory. Freeing off the gear cluster, usually restores function.

[gireada2005]

Martin do you think if I get hold of a good housing I can change the components from my one to get it working again without buying a new one?

[martin1810]

If it was me I would strip it enough to lube the gear cluster and then put it back together with a dab of glue on the cracked housing. Trouble is, once the gear cluster has siezed, you risk it happening again and again unless to check regularly. In theory the motors are available as an oem part quite cheaply, but I have never found a stockist.

[gireada2005]

My one didn't seize up , I've breaked down the hook where the T30 screw goes through, trying to put it back after I free the wheels ,and when I replaced the parking button and engaged the parking brake it crack along the housing.So if by any chance I can get a another housing do you think I can transfer all the gears inside to a good housing?

[martin1810]

If you are careful you can remove the end cover and take out the motor and gears BUT you may find that you can't get the electrical connector out of the housing. You won't know until you try.
See pics on my web site.

[A4nutter]

Update on this....VW have came back to me today to say they will NOT pay for or contribute ANYTHING towards this repair. My dealer (Verve VW Glasgow) is also saying they will not even move on the repair costs, even although the car was bought new from them and has a FULL service history will them. Very very disappointing!! I will now not be returning to Verve for any future services or repair works. Going to have to go down the OEM parts line with an independent carrying out the repairs.

[DSG4ME]

Update on this....VW have came back to me today to say they will NOT pay for or contribute ANYTHING towards this repair. My dealer (Verve VW Glasgow) is also saying they will not even move on the repair costs, even although the car was bought new from them and has a FULL service history will them. Very very disappointing!! I will now not be returning to Verve for any future services or repair works. Going to have to go down the OEM parts line with an independent carrying out the repairs.


Write them a letter, state your opinion in a controlled manner, and say that they have lost work because of it, when they blame VW, which is the truth, say, well I'm buying a Ford next time anyway so you both lost, and you three fold, existing service, purchase and then servicing on the new car.

VW don't deserve anything tbh, they are the worst car firm I've delt with, no Pug,VX or Ford dealer has ever managed to be so up it's own refuse chute like a VW one, this is my last VAG car, I won't have anymore of them, much as I love the car the firm is Arfur Daley after they get your money, soon I hope to go to Toyota, I'd like to return to VX but the Insignia isn't suitable for me, Ford is unknown as it's 18 years since I've owned one, but never before have I met such snobby salesmen and the customer is always wrong in the service dept, add in the rip parts prices and why oh why would you buy a VW, or the slogan should be.....This is the man that didn't buy a VW, with a smile on his face, or If everything was as reliable as a VW the world would cease to spin, they need to wake up and smell the coffee, I saw a Kia ad for a mini car earlier, it looked fab and 7 year warranty and way less than a Polo or Golf, guess whose gonna be out 2 million customers soon.

[A4nutter]

Thanks, I have actually already written them a "stern" letter expressing my unhappiness (more with the Dealer than with VW)

To be honest I was not really expecting them to fully pay for the repair (although I think it is a design flaw that’s caused the problem and therefore they should contribute) after all the car is just over 5 years old. I was more annoyed that since the car had been fully serviced and repaired at this dealer (I have thousands of pounds worth of receipts and all stamps in the book over the 5 years, as well as numerous receipts from warranty claims) they refused to even budge on the repair cost. £214+vat for each motor (calliper not included) and £75+vat labour per side, that’s a total of £693 to replace two small motors!!! I even explained to them I can buy a brand new OEM calliper+motors for £159+vat from a VW parts supplier, but they just were not interested. Unfortunately I can’t find an OEM motor only, got to buy the calliper even although my callipers are fine.

I went to a VW from many trouble free years of Saabs thinking I was "upgrading" only to have more problems with this single car than I have had with the last 3 Saabs I had in total.

My mother who is on her 4th Polo, each was bought new and serviced from this dealer too is now thinking of changing to a Honda Jazz, as she doesn’t think the modern VW’s are built as well as the older ones.

Funny enough the small Kia car you are talking about is presumably the Picanto. My wife has one which is the same age as my Passat (06-reg) although with slightly less miles. We have had it since new and it’s never gave us any problems what so ever, never even a warranty or recall claim. And it cost a fraction of the cost of the Passat!!! Who’s the mug eh?

It’s all such a same as I really like driving the Passat, but because of all these problems I probably would not buy another one. Fancy a Mazda 6 next...

[DMitch16]

Just going through this process at 102K miles, EPB light on intermittently and brake pads / discs almost at renewal point. Having seen the many posts on the brake motor housings and the stories of runaway cars what would it take VW to address this problem? A few squashed people perhaps? A runaway car through their dealer window maybe? (trying to find one located at the bottom of a hill! LOL). I can picture it now... "Oh I am sorry your stupid electronic parking brake failed!". You would have thought that there would be a better housing compound available than brittle plastic...there are plenty of rubberised hard compounds out there with enough flexion to prevent cracks whilst seeming rigid. At least the recent models are back to a proper mechanical handbrake which suggests VW know they've made a previous mistake!

[martin1810]

Given the design of the epb I do not believe it is possible for it to fail and release itself so I doubt there are any proven cases of a run-a-way car. A mechanical handbrake is far more likely to do that than an epb. Note how many people say 'epb failed, brakes stuck on.'

[zollaf]

if you follow the highway code and put your vehicle either in 1st or reverse gear, or in park if an auto, when parked on any kind of incline, then a runaway vehicle situation just won't happen, regardless of how good or bad the handbrake is.

[A4nutter]

Yip it’s a poor design, just like the rest of the Passat B6. I will be glad to get rid of mine on Friday when I get my new Insignia Sri Sports Tourer. The Passat has been the most unreliable and poorly built car out of all my 15 cars!!
Problems/failures: Injectors, oil pump, steering lock, clutch issues, various EPB faults, various airbag faults, multiple electrical faults, suspension issues and being traded in with faulty ABS system and turbo on way out.
Build quality issues: Couple of paint blisters, poor finish to alloy wheels, squeaky/rattling dashboard, pealing leather on steering wheel, plastic coating coming off on various interior parts (door handles etc)......
I could go on and on and on.....ridiculous on a 2006 car with 107k miles and full VW service history. It’s always been well looked after and never thrashed or miss treated.
I have contacted VW on numerous occasions both during warranty period and since and they have been totally uninterested. Some things have been sorted but most I have had to fork out for myself.
My first and defiantly my LAST VW!!!!!!!!
(2006 VW Passat 2.0tdi (PD) Sport (140) with 107k miles and full VW service history. Myself and VW dealer as only owners)

[DMitch16]

Given the design of the epb I do not believe it is possible for it to fail and release itself so I doubt there are any proven cases of a run-a-way car. A mechanical handbrake is far more likely to do that than an epb. Note how many people say 'epb failed, brakes stuck on.'

I did say "stories" (are you familiar with the "Keith Ambrose Campaign" with VOSA / VAG regarding EPB faults in 2009 - he has over 50 similar reports some referring to runaways?) but I do agree Martin that the design of the epb motor does prohibit such occurances...more likely that the driver has not actually put the epb on in the first place in these instances then locked the car before it started moving! :yikes:

A majority do mention the button so perhaps they are referring to an electrical problem with either the earlier button version or their wiring which they suggest causes a release of the motors (blaming the motors not the button) is that not a possibility?

My father and I have nearly 90 years of mechanical experience between us and have only ONCE experienced a runaway when a handbrake cable has snapped, fortunately on a gentle slope and at a time where we were both fit enough to catch it before any damage happened! Certainly gets the blood pumping :D

[vince47]

Had my first bit of 'fun' with the EPB the other day. I dont use it that often, parking overnight in gear with front wheels turned towards kerb. Anyway, -4c morning, wife uses the car. I said 'dont use the epb..it will probably be frozen up.' ok. She gets in, remembers she has left her shopping list indoors & presses the button. Flashing lights on the button, ding dong, + fault, goto garage, pay money, etc. Despite all the fault lights I could hear both motors moving back & forth, so while she was out shopping in her car having busted mine, I did an engineers reset on it (disconnected battery for a minute). All was then well. The next day I did a VCDS scan and got
Address 53: Parking Brake Labels: 3C0-907-801-53.clb
Part No SW: 3C0 907 801 E HW: 3C0 907 801 E
Component: EPB VC8HC003 013 0003
Revision: 013
Coding: 0000011
Shop #: WSC 05311 000 00000
VCID: 244CF7E3E7AE2E3865D

3 Faults Found:
02429 - Right Parking Brake Motor (V283) Clamping Force Not Reached
002 - Lower Limit Exceeded - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00110010
Fault Priority: 6
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 59
Mileage: 45256 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2000.00.00
Time: 13:06:13

Freeze Frame:
Voltage: 6.73 V
Count: 205

02433 - Supply Voltage for Right Parking Brake Motor (V283)
012 - Electrical Fault in Circuit - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00111100
Fault Priority: 1
Fault Frequency: 5
Reset counter: 59
Mileage: 45256 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2000.00.00
Time: 12:52:45

Freeze Frame:
Voltage: 12.94 V
Count: 87

02431 - Right Parking Brake Motor (V283) Resistance to Movement
003 - Mechanical Failure - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00110011
Fault Priority: 3
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 59
Mileage: 45256 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2000.00.00
Time: 12:52:45

Freeze Frame:
Voltage: 12.63 V
Count: 89
Cleared the errors and will wait and see. Am hoping I got away with it but as soon as I can I will see if anything is cracked.
Talking to garage friend (not VW though) he said:
Best use it often to keep it free.....common sense perhaps
B7's cycle the EPB's occasionally....wonder if thats true? Might even be worse if it decides to cycle them when its -4c, oh and presumably when stationery!
So, I am wondering whether I have got away with it? Time will tell I guess.
But am intriged about the 6.73volts on the first error shown above, last time wise (this looks to be the one where I drove it round to my garage, had one last go with the button, then disconnected the battery)
Anyone who looks at VCDS often (hello Martin!) know why this should be?
And what does the <Count> mean? Sure not the number of failures as have never had any trouble before

[martin1810]

Motor has had it. Probably the gear mechanism has seized or is seizing. You can try a diy as per my site or just fit a new motor. It's a simple half hour job and the motors are not to dear if you search caliper/motor.

[RichardSEL]

Here's more background and other stuff related to EPB. All the fixes I've seen posted about are only temporary as once water gets in the crack it's game over :zx11:

VW Customer "Care" in Milton Keynes is on: 0800 083 3920

Martin1810, regularly offering useful support on the VW Audi and UK Passats forums, has an excellent writeup on his site:
PASSAT B6 ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE - PASSAT (https://sites.google.com/site/1810martin/passat-b6-electric-park-brake)

This file is mainly to do with EPB switch failure. It's a compendium of Facebook entries. Unfortunately "Keith Ambrose" has given up after two years trying to get VW UK, VOSA, and BBC's Watchdog involved:
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/user/keith_ambrose

"Martin Bell" has the facebook site for this fault: (as of Oct 2012 has over 350 entries)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/172638656097468/

This is the USA recall for US only 2006 and 2007 vehicles. It is a software update relevent to specific versions of EPB controller:
http://nateronline.com/Technical_Bulletins/2007.05.15_update_program_Elc_park_brake.pdf

What the manufacturer (TRW) says:
To remanufacture – or not? | TRW Automotive Aftermarket (http://www.trwaftermarket.com/en/News/Electric-Park-Brake-EPB/)
It's been reported on the facebook page that "from 2008-on VW and/or TRW have re-designed the EPB motor. But the new design is not retro-fittable."

This is my EPB controller VCDS (2006 Passat SEL Estate):
Address 53: Parking Brake Labels: 3C0-907-801-53.clb
Part No SW: 3C0 907 801 B HW: 3C0 907 801 B
Component: EPB VC8HC001 013 0001
Revision: 013
Coding: 0000012
Shop #: WSC 05311 000 00000
VCID: 21672875F87553100EB
No fault code found.

Good Luck!

[Coops16]

Best prices I have found for new motors are

@ £80 delivered depending on Euro exchange rate and delivery in 3 days from xenons.eu (cheaper than their current ebay listing £104 +£10 p+p)

£71.27 each or £64.14 for 10 or more, delivery in 15 to 29 days free, express delivery from 3 days @ £20 at aliexpress.com

When on websites search for '32332267'. Both listings are made by TRW

I have 2 on order from Xenons as both mine are cracked and 1 has seized.

[RichardSEL]

Thanks for the posting:fing02: From the pix believe these are the 2005 - 2008, the first version of EPB motor?

Interesting that AliExpress carries TRW product. Confirms what I've long suspected: buy German, get Chinese!

[zilspeed]

I had cause to fix mine (they hadn't failed, it wasn't their fault, I just chose to do it whilst they were off) but just followed Martin's guide as above.
Dismantled, lubricated, reassembled with two pack epoxy glue. They've been perfect ever since.

Having previously fixed the steering lock microswitches, I had neglected to plug the loom back in until it 'clicked' home as it should, but I didn't know this...


One day, the igntion failed to turn on, just like when the steering lock fails.

When the ignition won't turn on, you can't release the parking brake.

My car's a DSG, so the rear wheels were locked by the EPB, and the fronts by the transmission.

All of this meant I need to be recovered home.

It was £200 extra to have it recovered on a street lifter. I opted to remove the motors, wind off the brakes, then call back the breakdown wagon to be recovered home.

Once home, I rebuilt the motors, whilst they were off, then took off the steering column cowl where I found the errant multiplug. One 'click' and all was right.

I should add, I still love it. I really do.

[vespa]

Thanks for the posting:fing02: From the pix believe these are the 2005 - 2008, the first version of EPB motor?

Interesting that AliExpress carries TRW product. Confirms what I've long suspected: buy German, get Chinese!

The myth of German engineering. It's no better than any one elses. All hype without the backup when things go wrong.

[Quatrelle]

For me, with the Passat, it's not the fact that the car has faults, it's the fact that VW's attitude is, effectively, 'up yours'.

I appreciate that all cars have faults, but their attitude means that I would never buy another VW. My next car may well be as bad, the attitude of the manufacturer may well be the same, but dumping VW is the only way I can make my point, not that they will know, or care.

When the injector problem became known in the UK I wrote to VW Germany (to the CEO). I was fobbed off to VW France, who told me they don't replace parts that are working correctly. Even the manager of the workshop in the dealer's where I bought the car denied there was a problem with the injectors, telling me not to believe everything I read on the internet, patronising bar$tard.