Adjusting handbrake: VW Passat B5

🧭 Before you start

Fits: VW Passat B5 (3B)

Don't miss

• Remove any plastic parts on compensator; they do not need to be re-installed.
• Pull both cable sleeves (2) and (3) apart at the same time until the cables are tensioned; when doing this the lever on the brake caliper must not lift off.
• The coloured O-ring (1) must not be visible. This ensures that the mechanism of the handbrake cable adjustment element remains sufficiently protected against dirt and water spray.
• Due to the automatic rear wheel brake adjustment there is no requirement to adjust the handbrake after making new/initial adjustment.

📋 Procedure

1. Depress brake pedal firmly at least once.
2. Handbrake lever in released position.
3. Remove rear ashtray (centre console) General body repairs, interior68Compartments, covers and trims; Removing and installing rear ashtray.
4. Remove any plastic parts on compensator; they do not need to be re-installed.
5. Prevent compensator from turning by counterholding with a screwdriver (shown without centre console for reasons of clarity). [Note: The means of adjusting the handbrake cables can be found on vehicles with front-wheel drive in the tunnel on the vehicle underside.On vehicles with four-wheel drive, the means of adjustment can be found in front of the lower wishbones.]

6. Take out securing element (4).
7. Screw in adjusting nut (1) to stop so that groove for securing element is covered.
8. Push both cable sleeves (2) and (3) together.
9. Unscrew adjusting nut (1) until groove for securing element is visible.
10. Insert securing element (4).
11. Pull both cable sleeves (2) and (3) apart at the same time until the cables are tensioned; when doing this the lever on the brake caliper must not lift off.
12. Take out screwdriver at compensator and apply handbrake 3 times. [Note: The coloured O-ring (1) must not be visible. This ensures that the mechanism of the handbrake cable adjustment element remains sufficiently protected against dirt and water spray.]
13. Check hand brake tension and turn adjusting nut (A) in/out as necessary...
14. Turn adjusting nut out or in until a max. gap (A) of 1.5 mm is achieved at the brake calipers. [Note: Due to the automatic rear wheel brake adjustment there is no requirement to adjust the handbrake after making new/initial adjustment.]

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