How to Release a Stuck Electronic Parking Brake ?

**GLROSIE** · 12-10-2010,09:37 PM

I know this has been done to 'death' on the Forum but does anyone know how I can overcome a stuck electronic parking brake.

I have tried all the usual solutions like disconnecting the battery, removing the fuses, but with no luck.

It is an 06 model and has already had the EPB switch replaced under warranty a few years back.

When I try to release it manually with my foot on the brake pedal I can hear the servo motors moving as if they are attempting to release the brake ??

Any good ideas would be welcome, my car is stuck on the drive until I can work out how to move it !!

Thank you.

DSG4ME · 13-10-2010,12:13 AM

What thickness are the pads?

I would say you are looking at the caliper's this time, if the servo motor's are working you may well have a siezed one, welcome to Passathell.

**GLROSIE** · 13-10-2010,08:54 AM

Thanks for your thoughts. I haven't checked the pads yet but your theory about the stuck caliper has got me thinking. The car feels as if it is lurching to one side as I attempt to drive away(indicating possibly that only one side has actually stuck).

Do you know if there is an easy way to release a seized caliper so that I can drive it to the nearest dealer ?

**rapport25** · 13-10-2010,09:13 AM

Sorry to hear of your troubles

.

I remember a while back a guy has the same trouble but his breakdown cover AA i think wound the caliper back in. Although he got an annoying beep on the dash the car was driveable.

I think new calipers are around £500 each side

**martin1810** · 13-10-2010,10:00 AM

Jack it up and release epb to find which caliper is stuck. The electric motor is held on by two bolts. Undo the stuck one and pull it away. You will see a splined drive. Use a torx bit or similar to wind the caliper back by hand to free it. If you disconnect the wire to the motor you will have a one wheel epb which will do until you can get it fixed. Look here for more info.https://sites.google.com/site/1810ma...ric-park-brake

**Diesel Dude** · 13-10-2010,12:33 PM

My rear offside parking brake siezed too, but it seized in a partially on / partially off position. My mechanic pointed out a crack in the plastic motor housing on the caliper which he said had prolly caused water ingress which over time siezed the caliper. Bit strange having such an important part of the safety equipment of the car made out of such a volatile material i thought. Anyway, he replaced the caliper with a recon and charged £220, so unless you have to use VW dealer for some reason i'd shop around for a cheaper alternative.

Good luck mate.

DSG4ME · 13-10-2010,08:12 PM

Originally Posted by GLROSIE

Thanks for your thoughts. I haven't checked the pads yet but your theory about the stuck caliper has got me thinking. The car feels as if it is lurching to one side as I attempt to drive away(indicating possibly that only one side has actually stuck).

Do you know if there is an easy way to release a seized caliper so that I can drive it to the nearest dealer ?

Have you had new rear pads recently, and who fitted them? it's a bit of a complex procedure and if it isn't done right it does mess the caliper up.

Feel for the side that squats down when you try to pull away, this will tell you which side is affected, hth.

**GLROSIE** · 13-10-2010,10:30 PM

Thanks for all the advice, I'll make an attempt at freeing the stuck caliper and then keep my fingers crossed when I take it to the dealer.

**A4 Lad** · 13-10-2010,11:00 PM

Originally Posted by rapport25

I think new calipers are around £500 each side

Caliper, including motor is £145 + vat. Purchased one today for a customer
Non genuine part but when looked at closer, has vw and same brand name as origanal caliper on it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

DSG4ME · 14-10-2010,01:18 AM

Originally Posted by Bangor Lad

Caliper, including motor is £145 + vat. Purchased one today for a customer
Non genuine part but when looked at closer, has vw and same brand name as origanal caliper on it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Link up the supplier's mate, they are generally £500 a side, so it would be handy to know where the pattern ones are available, tia.