*Urgent C5 problem*

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Tully
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*Urgent C5 problem*

Post by Tully »

Hi Folks

My C5 2.2 hdi semi-auto has suddenly developed a worrying problem.
When you engage gear (drive or reverse) it doesn't roll forward or back as it should.
Instead it feels like the brakes have locked on and needs plenty of throttle to get it going (especially bad in reverse).
Once going forward it's fine, in reverse it needs constant throttle.
It drives fine, changing gear smoothly in auto mode or manual shifting.
Does that sound like a brake release fault or, God forbid, a fault with the gearbox.
The car is only 90,000 miles old with full service history.

Thanks in advance

Tully
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Re: *Urgent C5 problem*

Post by RichardW »

Probably the brakes - C5s are not unknown for it... Take it for a short run, then check to see if either of the front wheels are hot.
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Re: *Urgent C5 problem*

Post by Stickyfinger »

RichardW wrote:Probably the brakes - C5s are not unknown for it... Take it for a short run, then check to see if either of the front wheels are hot.
Thats a good way to bugger a disk ...that will just OVERHEAT them if it is the handbrake levers that are binding !....if your worried about brakes, just jack up and spin them to inspect.
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Re: *Urgent C5 problem*

Post by waynedance »

Happened to me last night, left work and car felt sluggish, got on open road and could smell burning. Pulled over and o/s/f wheel was hot. Car would not roll on a slight incline.

Went back to work (garage) and removed the wheel and hand brake lever on caliper was solid. Managed to get working again, will keep an eye on it.
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Re: *Urgent C5 problem*

Post by Stickyfinger »

Start work on it now before the really bad weather comes, Un-clip the cable, Work the leaver back and forward (mole grips) applying oil (NOT WD40). Protect with grease.....Do it now before the S++t gets in it more and you need to replace the caliper.
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Re: *Urgent C5 problem*

Post by Citroenmad »

I too would say its the handbrake sticking on. You can try to free them off, though I've tried and tried and failed to get a lasting result. Caliper replacement has been my only long term fix.

You can pull the levers off yourself, with the car on high and full lock, you can find the lever on the back of the caliper and pull it towards the front of the car with some pliers. With the handbrake in the off position it should be fully sprung off.

One of my C5s ruined a set of discs and pads with this and all of our C5s have suffered it at one point. Very common.

Check them out and don't drive it until they have been freed off, even just the levers pulled forward and keep using it without the handbrake until its sorted.
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Re: *Urgent C5 problem*

Post by Tully »

Thanks for all the input, guys.
I'm relieved it seems like a brake problem and not the gearbox [-o<

Hope you all have a trouble free Christmas \:D/

Tully
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Re: *Urgent C5 problem*

Post by dnsey »

I've had more success lubricating the handbrake lever pivot with brake fluid than with oil. Whatever you use, make sure you get it behind the rubber seal.
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Post by addo »

I've seen a good number of calipers where there's corrosion under the dust boot, this stops the piston moving freely in its bore. The sticky handbrake lever issue may be additional or a symptom.
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Re: *Urgent C5 problem*

Post by Tully »

Problem sorted.
Turns out the front driver's side brake pad had broken up and was jamming in the caliper.
Front discs and pads fitted at H******s set me back a bit but they are guaranteed for life, which is something.

All the best

Tully
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Re: *Urgent C5 problem*

Post by Hell Razor5543 »

My local Halfords get their parts from Euro Car Parts. Wait for Malcolm to respond to that!
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Re: *Urgent C5 problem*

Post by Jeff »

Hi dnsey,
Please can you give a little description of what you've found using brake fluid as opposed to oil or whatever.
so far I have been using plusgas which I have syringed beyond the rubber seal (the needle hole should reseal) and every so often top up with plusgas but a more lasting lubricant would help me, is brake fluid more lasting?
Another thing I have tried and does help is attaching an additional external spring which helps to pull the lever back down.
Thanks again
Jeff
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Re: *Urgent C5 problem*

Post by uncle buck »

I had the same sort of problem with the handbrake calipers on the Renault, the handbrake lever was partially seized and the handbrake was virtually non existent. Oiling and greasing the lever did buy me some time and free it off a bit but the handbrake was still very poor and after a few months it was seizing up again.

I decided to strip & rebuild the caliper, more out of curiosity than anything else as reconditioned calipers don't cost the Earth these days. The job wasn't that hard and the results were more than worth it as they now work perfectly.

Just wondering if anyone has thought of giving it a go with C5 calipers.



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