C5 HDi VTR - Smokin' NSF

[Rhothgar]

Hi all,

A mate has just called me reporting that he has an issue with smoke coming from his NSF.

He can feel that the wheel is warm/hot. Not been driving fast or braking hard.

The smoke was of such quantity that as he was at a junction and saw smoke rising up over the side of the bonnet.

I'm reckoning that it could be handbrake seized and holding brake on? Any other thoughts as I have NO experience of C5's and am assuming that the handbrakes are on the front the same as a Xantia.

[oneday]

the handbrake is on the front wheels sounds like a problem with that or the caliper. hand brake cables have been known to seize and from what ive read its quite a job to change the cables and guide tubes

[Rhothgar]

That was quick. I see you have a VTR too and you're only in Mansfield. He's in Hucknall. Have you had that problem on yours then?

He asked if he should take it to a garage but I steered him clear. I'd help him with it but I'm off to Austria on Saturday so he's pretty knackered as I haven't got any time between now and then. Haven't even got time to type really!

It's a big ask but I'm hoping somebody on the forum nearby would help him for a bit of cameraderie and cash as he's not really into DIY repairs. He can probably take a wheel off!

[oneday]

ive not had the problem as yet. if he gets the parts ie brake cables and guide tubes i,ll give him a hand no problem. what year is this car

[Rhothgar]

I've just had a quick look on GSF and they only listed handbrake cables for the rear!!!

I am supposing their catalogue is wrong or is this going to be a main dealer part? Any ordering of parts may be down to me as he really isn't confident in this kind of thing.

I'll take a look at his VIN tomorrow and get the Citroen microfiches up.

Has any else on the forum had this issue before also? I'd hate to order the parts and it be wrong. So far, both oneday and I think it could be handbrake cable.

Is there a way to test this? If he gradually applies his handbrake one notch at a time, will it veer to the left if it is the handbrake?

[oneday]

or i can try and free off whatever is causing it first but wont be able to help until sunday. have a look on e bay place at notts doing them 14.50 each cables that is guide tubes probably main dealer

[myglaren]

Both Chris (citroenmad) and I have had the same problem. It is most likely to be the little handbrake lever on the calliper sticking. Can be freed off but generally only a temporary repair. Budget fro a replacement calliper before too long.

Cables may be OK, check them for binding first as they are expensive if you don't need them - guess how I know

I didn't experience any dragging to one side when mine seized, just the smell of burning and a reluctance to accelerate.

Pump the brakes really hard and it may free it, then avoid using the handbrake.

[Rhothgar]

Cheers Steve.


I love Chris' XM!


Is this a simple wheel removal, release handbrake, lubricate and violently work lever back and forth with loads of plusgas type of solution?

Yes I remember now our little tete-a-tete at Wetherby on how you extended your mortgage to cover the amount of repairs on your C5 needed!!!!

[myglaren]

Chris will no doubt explain but he removed his caliper and partially stripped it and cleaned/lubricated it.

I took the expensive way out and had a local garage fix it while I was at work.

[oneday]

if he needs help let me know

[addo]

Less of an issue with LHM brakes, but you can get corrosion "growth" between the caliper piston's dust seal and bore seal. This corrosion will grip the piston very effectively.

[Citroenmad]

There is no point in trying to free the caliper off in the handbrake lever mech. I tried all sorts, including removing the caliper and letting lubricant drop into it while working for a long period. It worked in the short time but it soon seized again. I have came to the conclusion that when this happens the caliper is a write off.

I did have the same problem with my previous C5, which the first time I noticed anything wrong I was going down the motorway at motorway speeds when the steering wheel started to vibrate, so much so that I could not hold on to it! I slowed down and pulled off at the very close service, once I came to a stop I could not see for smoke. My pads and discs were toast, they needed to be replaced.

I have since replaced another two calipers for the same problem on other C5s.

[addo]

The C5 is DOT4, so my comments are quite pertinent. Did you do a post-mortem on the old one?

A recent stuck caliper took forty-odd HARD pushes of the pedal to eject its piston. That was amazing to me.