C5 X7 electric handbrake service mode?

[RichardW]

You're trying too hard Graeme! With these cable systems just set the brake to off with ignition on but engine not running, then switch off and it will not reapply. As long as you don't start the engine (and then stop it again as that is when it will auto apply) it will stay off while you do the job. If you're 'just' changing the bearing then no need to mess with the pads, unless these are the integrated hub/disc combo type?

[Jay-Bruce]

When we first got our X7 I was worried about getting marooned if the handbrake failed in the on position, so I researched it a bit and found this emergency release procedure, it could be an alternative for Graeme?

[GiveMeABreak]

No, never do that unless an emergency!

That's only for an emergency release and once you've done it, they can be a nightmare to put back. I think this disengages the cables and if the ignition is switched on before the cables re-attach the system will be buggered.

Check out the handbook for it's correct operation.

[aerodynamica]

Hiya Marc, thanks that's pretty useful. I've not got round to this yet because my Xantia has started to leak engine oil and it has got me concerned, not least because I can't pinpoint the source yet. ..

[aerodynamica]

You're trying too hard Graeme! With these cable systems just set the brake to off with ignition on but engine not running, then switch off and it will not reapply. As long as you don't start the engine (and then stop it again as that is when it will auto apply) it will stay off while you do the job. If you're 'just' changing the bearing then no need to mess with the pads, unless these are the integrated hub/disc combo type?

Hiya Richard, ah, knowledge is power!

Well, that's good to know although I used the Lexia to set the brake to off. I'll use your more sensible method for the other side..

[aerodynamica]

Thanks for the suggestion Jay-Bruce but yea I knew that was a kind of last resort release. I do sometimes wonder what I'll do if the brake doesn't release one day while in traffic or something.

[aerodynamica]

So I discovered that the Lexia works to release the brake and keep it off. I hadn't read Richard's post though! When the brake is in the released position the cable end is surprisingly easy to remove from the caliper lever end.

Wheel bearing is changed and not too hard. You need a 40mm socket that I had to order. A 3 - leg puller that's quite long - I had to borrow one because my puller was too short.

Fairly straightforward job and everything came off without trauma.

But my god, the inner brake shield was so rusty I just removed it. Dropping it caused it to shatter like a meringue..

So I have a nice smooth rear right hand wheel bearing now. After traveling up to the Isle of Skye last week and a bit of driving around Skye, the sound of the duff wheel bearing was annoying. It was coming from the rear right, and stopping up and touching each hub showed the right rear was warmer then the left.

A test drive yesterday revealed NO CHANGE in the noise I have changed the wrong side!! It is the left rear that's noisy. Really annoying. It still sounds like the right hand side but it must be some auditory quirk. I had noticed the old bearing when removed was low on grease and the inner race detached from the assembly upon removal but the bearing race only had a tiny amount of pitting and not enough I'd have thought to make the noise at around 40mph. Anyway, I've ordered another rear wheel bearing for the left so that's another Saturday written off..

To be fair though the RH rear bearing was beginning to go anyway so would have to replace in due course anyway.. That's my positive spin! no pun intended

I did notice that the rubber bushing at the hub end of the trailing 'drag link' was borderline worn. The car passed it's MOT on Wednesday and it wasn't mentioned as an advisory. They did however, mention a front inner track rod with a little bit of play... If you've followed any of my posts lately you'd know the steering rack was only replaced a month ago.....

[aerodynamica]

Finally changed the other rear wheel bearing! Just as straightforward as the other side and thanks to Richard W I was able to simply release the parking brake....

After the disaster of the RH side I was a bit dismayed to view the old wheel bearing didn't look that bad.... but after changing the result is very smooth and quiet running. The bad bearing was like a regular heavy throbbing above 40mph.

All good and vice the brake and all rear links a good inspection. The many links of the C5, C6 and Peugeots rear axle look to have a lot of potential to have worn out bushings. Apparently all OK on mine so far and if anything I'd say the trailing link lower end is the most likely to wear (was the only one with a bit of movement) when I checked. Anyone have experience of this? Is it the most likely to need replaced in time?

Everything else looking in good order at the rear axle.