C5 Woes

Gregg1100 · Post by **Gregg1100** » 04 Feb 2011, 23:26

I have a C5 2.0 HDI 138bhp VTR, on a 55 plate and I've noticed over the last couple of days my
car has become really heavy like I'm forcing it to move.
In gears 1-4 the car
moves ok but 5 and 6 gear it's lacking power. Since I've had the car if I was
doing 30mph in fifth gear going up a hill and put my foot down the car would accelerate but now nothing, I'm having to change down to get the car to move.

My driveway is sloping and I normally don't need to engage a gear to get off the
drive, but this morning I released the handbrake and the car just stayed there.

Got to work today ok, giving the car a bit of a blast just in case of carbon build up,
but still same sluggishness. On the way home I was doing about 70mph and all of a
sudden the steering wheel started to shake??? Pulled over -no punctures. Got back
in the car still the same at 50mph. Driving at 30mph car was ok again. Entered
another 60mph road and got the car up 60mph, and no shaking on the steering
wheel?? Really confused.
There are NO warning lights lit up on the dashboard.
Any ideas please

Chris

Gregg1100 · Post by **Gregg1100** » 04 Feb 2011, 23:33

I will check the brakes for binding tomorrow and the wheel nuts- he had tyres fitted last week to the front, balanced and tracked.
Greg

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 04 Feb 2011, 23:34

Definitely sounds like your handbrake is sticking on.

The faster you go the more the pads and discs heat the more they will rub as the discs and pads enlarge slightly forcing them on harder. Did you not notice any smoke or a burning smell?

It will either be the handbrake cables are rusting in the guide tubes or the lever on the front brake calipers are sticking - both quite common on the C5.

If you drive your car for a few miles, stop, get out and feel your wheels, one or more will be hot, that will tell you which side is sticking without having to fiddle about. Though the disc will show signs of burning if you take a look. Ideally with this problem both sides should be free'd off.

Its surprising how a brake slightly sticking can have a big effect on performance. I know, ive had this problem.

The wheel shake is a tell tale sign too, and yes it does come and go as the brakes heat up and cool, forcing them together more or apart.

Your handbrake might feel quite slack at first and then become stiff as it engages?

Post by **myglaren** » 04 Feb 2011, 23:38

When stationary and with the engine running, push the brake pedal down as hard as you can a few times, holding it down for a few seconds each time.

I found that this would free my sticking handbrake, at least for a while.

And it did feel like it was dragging a Hippophant!

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 04 Feb 2011, 23:40

Or, if your worried about it, put the car on full lock and (with the handbrake off) pull the levers on the caliper which are connected to the handbrake cables towards the front of the car. This will release the handbrake and just dont apply it again until you have got the sticking issue sorted, just park in gear.

If you drive for long with the brakes binding they will smoke, some people have even said they have seen flames from the discs! Though you will probably end up having to replace the pads and discs if they have rubbed/heated too badly.

triumphtoledo · Post by **triumphtoledo** » 05 Feb 2011, 20:47

try looking at the rear brakes, which are prone to binding.

R

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 05 Feb 2011, 21:40

Rear brakes wont cause the wheel wobble though.

But i agree, the rear brakes on C5s should be kept in check, particularly the caliper for twisting and corrosion.

rabenson · Post by **rabenson** » 05 Feb 2011, 22:48

Citroenmad wrote:Definitely sounds like your handbrake is sticking on.

The faster you go the more the pads and discs heat the more they will rub as the discs and pads enlarge slightly forcing them on harder. Did you not notice any smoke or a burning smell?

It will either be the handbrake cables are rusting in the guide tubes or the lever on the front brake calipers are sticking - both quite common on the C5.

If you drive your car for a few miles, stop, get out and feel your wheels, one or more will be hot, that will tell you which side is sticking without having to fiddle about. Though the disc will show signs of burning if you take a look. Ideally with this problem both sides should be free'd off.

Its surprising how a brake slightly sticking can have a big effect on performance. I know, ive had this problem.

The wheel shake is a tell tale sign too, and yes it does come and go as the brakes heat up and cool, forcing them together more or apart.

Your handbrake might feel quite slack at first and then become stiff as it engages?

Agreed - I had exactly the same problem. Didn't need to feel the wheel temperature as the offside front disk was glowing a cheery orange colour.....

Gregg1100 · Post by **Gregg1100** » 07 Feb 2011, 19:14

Thanks for replies. It turned out to be a sticking o/s calliper handbrake lever. A good dousing with PLUSGAS, some wiggling , and now as free as a bird. Will check the other side when it stops raining.
Cheers,
Greg

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 07 Feb 2011, 21:01

Good stuff, nice when its something simple isnt it