That red audi a2. VK55

[Dj_efk]

Contact a chap called Paul Whittle on A2OC. Among his many talents and aftermarket products he refurbs the wiper arms on these to better-than-new. Handle is depronman.

 

[Sir Chocolate Teapot]

Bit of an  easy therapy session.  Front seat cleaning always produces results.

[Shadow]

Wow. Clearly those seats have seen some action. 

[95 quid Peugeot]

On 11/08/2025 at 23:34, Dj_efk said:

Contact a chap called Paul Whittle on A2OC. Among his many talents and aftermarket products he refurbs the wiper arms on these to better-than-new. Handle is depronman.

 

He did the arm on the last one I had, much improved 

[Sir Chocolate Teapot]

Been using the a2 for last 3 weeks.

All good apart from :

Biggest problem is rear left handbrake .

One time use at the moment. Jams on. Then requires rear wheel removal and physically release the handbrake shoe lever in the drum.

I have just been using a block of wood and leaving in gear when parked.

The problem is the left hand side handbrake cable not releasing. Right hand side fine.

Today I spent a good hour exercising the cable back an forth with pliers.

Still.no joy. Still too stiff.

bugger.

Then  putting all this bastard back together.

I hate drum brakes.

Have i now lost the will to carry on ?

I think the cable is cheap enough at less than £20. But looks a right pain to change because of access route.

Any leads on videos on explanation how to do this.

Shame as the engine seems in fine health so far.

What a way to spend a sunny afternoon off work.

[Sir Chocolate Teapot]

@Dj_efk looking on audi a2 forum I see many handbrake cable issues and different cable lengths and you also had this repair done, but on disk rear brakes.

it does seem a bit of a nightmare on these working out which cables are correct  as various different lengths  used.

[Brigsy]

Does the cable run inside a metal tube to route it to the rear beam area? I had similar issue on my r26 and the cable was corroded solid inside the tube. Ended up renewing the tube and cable.

I also hate the fcuking springs on shoes/drums. Always a carry on to fit!

[Dj_efk]

So the issue is the cable being partially seized?

If you go on Nemiga.com they have a copy of the EKTA parts diagrams - from this you should be able to ge the OE part number. That will then ensure you buy the correct cable.

[RoverFolkUs]

On 19/09/2025 at 19:01, Sir Chocolate Teapot said:

bugger.

The handbrake lever is being pulled which is wrong, you'll have a completely ineffective handbrake if you set it up like that

If the cables aren't moving freely, they'll need replacing, there's no two ways about it. Have you completely de-adjusted the cable at the lever?

[Sir Chocolate Teapot]

Yes. The left hand cable seems to be partially  seized.  Yes I fully un tensioned cable at the hand brake level and then mucked about with it for a while.

Been to an audi dealer and got the part number for left hand cable from them ( part unavailable from audi ).

Amongst sellers There is much confusion about slightly different cable lengths for these a2s.

Audi part no. For my vin number.

Left side.  .8z0609721g.

Right side.   8z0609722 g

Wish me luck getting correct length and working out how to access both ends.

 

 

[Dj_efk]

HERE  is an A2OC post you may have seen from someone experiencing similar issues. This backs up the part numbers you mention.

HERE is the cheapest handbrake cable directly corresponding to that part number (8z0609721g - the left / seized one) on eBay 😉

[Sir Chocolate Teapot]

Tight space but almost doable but :-

That Bottom part of pic is cable interference fit holding bracket that after 20 years is  not un- interfering !

There is very little access into space to use force. I can only just get finger tips in there.

Have left it soaking in penetrating oil for now and praying tonight. Otherwise I have no idea how to get that out without lots of fuel tank, exhaust pipe and fuel pipe removal. Bugger .

 

[Dj_efk]

I don’t think removing the fuel tank is TOO much of an arse on these?

I would search A2OC for the solution or post a question on there

[Lacquer Peel]

On 19/09/2025 at 21:42, Brigsy said:

Does the cable run inside a metal tube to route it to the rear beam area? I had similar issue on my r26 and the cable was corroded solid inside the tube. Ended up renewing the tube and cable.

I also hate the fcuking springs on shoes/drums. Always a carry on to fit!

A lot easier with locking pliers 

https://www.screwfix.com/p/stanley-locking-pliers-7-170mm-/6711J?tc=FB9&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22605978230&gbraid=0AAAAAD8IdPyo75sKSMWCI2WVxHNThxmPp&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0Y3HBhCxARIsAN7931UNlHBsHuWCnwIOtTNGafzqJ6d4QRcfvrwLAz-y5mmhESoHtwXHCfwaAj1XEALw_wcB

[Brigsy]

2 hours ago, Lacquer Peel said:

A lot easier with locking pliers 

https://www.screwfix.com/p/stanley-locking-pliers-7-170mm-/6711J?tc=FB9&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22605978230&gbraid=0AAAAAD8IdPyo75sKSMWCI2WVxHNThxmPp&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0Y3HBhCxARIsAN7931UNlHBsHuWCnwIOtTNGafzqJ6d4QRcfvrwLAz-y5mmhESoHtwXHCfwaAj1XEALw_wcB

I need to purchase a set of them as i have drums to do soon.