Parking brake is not working

Welcome to 2CarPros.

On this vehicle, the electric parking brake assembly may be at fault. Based on your description, it sounds like the system has stuck or loosened itself and now the pads are further away from the rotor causing the soft pedal.

Can you tell me if the parking brake is working? If not, and I hate to say this, but you will need to have it checked by someone that has a VAG (Volkswagen Audi group) Scanner because the brake adjustment is done via a scan tool or computer.

Let me know if the park brake works or if you have other questions.

Joe

Welcome back:

I suspect that it has to do with one of the motors. What really needs done at this point is to confirm that one of the motors isn't working. To do this, you need Vag-Com. It is computer software that is used for diagnosing such problems on Volkswagen / Audi Vehicles. That's the only thing I have used, but there may be scanners that can do the same.

Before we jump the gun, confirm that the connectors behind the brake calipers are tight, clean and free of corrosion, and there is no wiring damage to them.

Other than that, my first suspect is one of the motors has failed. Please understand, this is a theory, an educated guess based on experience. I can't guarantee that is the problem, but it seems that way.

If you get someone to test the motors and find they are or one is bad, here are the directions for replacement. The attached pictures correlate with the directions.

__________________________________________________________________

Parking Brake Motor

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Torque Wrench (V.A.G 1331)

Vehicle Diagnostic, Test and Information System (VAS 5051)

Diagnostic Cable (VAS 5051/1) or (VAS 5051/3)

Removing

Ignition must be switched off for at least 30 seconds before disconnecting the connector.

- Pull connector - 1 - off from parking brake motor.

Pic 1

- Remove both inner TORX(R) bolts - arrows - on the parking brake motor.

Pic 2

- Pull off parking brake motor from brake caliper.

- Remove the seal.

Make sure that the ring groove of the seal and the contact surface of the parking brake motor do not become damaged.

- Clean the ring groove and the contact surface of the parking brake motor.

Installing

- Lightly coat the new gasket with brake fluid and then install it.

Pic 3

- Turn the spindle back slightly the with help of a TORX(R) insert T45 - A -, until the parking brake motor can be correctly positioned.

Pic 4

CAUTION!
Do not remove the gasket when assembling the parking brake motor.

- Carefully set the parking brake motor in place, paying attention to the seat of the seal.

- Rotate the parking brake motor until the bolt hole and threads are aligned.

Make sure that the parking brake motor is seated flush against the brake caliper. Do not, under any circumstances, pull the parking brake motor against the brake caliper using the bolts.

- Set the TORX(R) bolts - arrows - in place by hand and then tighten.

Pic 5

- Install connector.

- Perform basic setting of brake system.

- (VAS 5051), connecting and selecting functions. Refer to => [ VAS 5051, Connecting and Selecting Functions ] See: Antilock Brakes / Traction Control Systems > Scan Tool Testing and Procedures > VAS 5051, Connecting and Selecting Functions.

__________________________________________

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,
Joe