C5 X7 2.0 hdi auto electronic parking brake problem

[myglaren]

But there's a lot of wiggle room, given that a new unit costs over a grand - which is frankly obscene for something that is bound to fail at around 8 years old. In the US that would no doubt be grounds for a class action....

Given that it isn't an isolated problem then I'm sure it would be carried through.

John (JRGA1) had similar problems last year. Can't remember how that was resolved.

[GiveMeABreak]

The X7 system is supposedly designed for 16,777,214 application cycles. - but I guess not if you're on UK salted roads....

[myglaren]

That's a weird number. Why not 16,000,000 or 17,000,000.
Never going to reach that anyway.

[Y Cymro]

That's a weird number. Why not 16,000,000 or 17,000,000.
Never going to reach that anyway.

I saw that on another thread here when researching this. It equates to 2^24+2. I assume the +2 is just to be safe
If Citroen uses 24-bit registers in the handbrake ECU then 2^24 is the largest number of addresses possible.
In my case I suppose it’s unfortunate that a £10 cable snapped because the rest of it is good, probably for at least another 15 million applications.

[Y Cymro]

The X7 system is supposedly designed for 16,777,214 application cycles. - but I guess not if you're on UK salted roads....

Other than the cable snapping the rest of the unit is in good condition, and even the manufacturers protective white grease is intact.

I’ve posted on a few online breakers requesting the part (Citroen Part No 1612865480), but honestly don’t hold out much hope.

On one of the photos, the EPB appears to have a removable top fastened by Torx screws. I’ll pop in the garage tomorrow to see if I can whip the top off to see what’s inside.

[xantia_v6]

See: viewtopic.php?t=60013 At the bottom of page 2, there is a link to a Polish vendor on allegro (similar to ebay) who apparently can supply and fit replacement cables.

[Y Cymro]

Thanks for the link. Being in Polish I have no idea what the webpage is on about but there’s an email link on it, and I’ve sent an email request asking whether they can do something for the C5.

[GiveMeABreak]

Steve, open the link using Google and it should automatically offer to translate the site for you using Google Translate.

[Y Cymro]

Thanks Marc. Unfortunately the text is in an image file and so it’s not even possible to copy and paste the text into a translation tool.

Just received a very rapid response from the seller:
“The handbrake mechanism is damaged if the cable breaks.
You need to send me a mechanism, we will change two cables and fix the engine inside”
Unfortunately, no mention as to the cost.

[GiveMeABreak]

They are pretty savvy, the Poles, so might be a goer - push them for a quote.

[Paul-R]

Nobody going to try the links I put up?

[Y Cymro]

Nobody going to try the links I put up?

Has anyone ever contacted one of the bespoke manufacturers of cables? One of them might have a solution.
A quick Google came up with these:
https://speedycables.com/heavy-duty-cables/ (a name I remember from the past)
http://www.cable-tec.co.uk/Applications ... Cables.asp
https://www.venhill.co.uk/custom-cables/
https://www.thediscdirectory.co.uk/wm/c ... 89431.html

Hi Paul
Thanks for the links - I had to wait for a quiet moment to phone them!
None has a pattern part off the shelf but all offered to take a look if I can send the part to them. Just providing an inner would be less than £20, but of course, being a Citroen, the whole inner and outer will probably be required.

Coincidentally, Speedy Cables are about 20 miles from me so I'll see if the cable can be stripped from the EPB unit and pop it up there.

No reply yet from the Polish guy about a cost for replacing the cables.

[Paul-R]

If one (or more!) of the bespoke cable suppliers can fabricate a new cable section then this would be a vast improvement over having to shell out for a complete calliper assembly. If the Polish guy can do it surely someone in the UK can do it?

[Y Cymro]

I agree. But the local Citroen specialist is having a problem dismantling the EPB casing. As well as fasteners it appears to be glued. I’m popping over now to give him a hand.

[Y Cymro]

Had a reply from Poland:
“Repair time 3-4 days, shipment 80 PLN
In the worst case, PLN 800 repair, only replacement of cables PLN 400”

Which at today’s rates, is £17 for return delivery (ie one way), £167 for cables and repair to EBP or £85 to replace cables only.