C5 handbrake guide and cables

[GB]

Replacing handbrake cable guides and cables: is this a DIY job? Any special tools required?

Or should I just get the parts and get a garage to do it (I need it done on a shoestring and asap, too much month at the end of the money at the moment)?

My 2005 C5 failed the MOT yesterday:
- O/S handbrake recording little or no effort
- O/S front brake binding
- Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (14%)

First I thought it was the O/S calliper, but it appears that the O/S handbrake cable is seized solid. The handbrake felt not right since the winter anyway. So I guess I should replace both O/S and N/S guides and cables.

What's the best cable guide source? All my local Citroen dealer have gone out of business. There is someone selling them on eBay, but economy delivery only. Any suggestions?

Will get the Pagid cables from carparts4less.co.uk (£14 each).

[Gibbo2286]

The o/s one is the easiest to fit, nearside can be done but is a bit more of a struggle. Dealer is the best place for the tubes, some of the aftermarket ones are not accurately shaped and make the job more of a trial.

[Stickyfinger]

I also would not trust what the after market ones are made of, I "introduced white grease" into the tube as I fed the cable, I would think the thinnest WaxOil or Dinatrol would be better.

[GB]

Thank you for your advice.

Had another look: the N/S cable is perfectly fine, but I will try to add some lubricant just in case.

Changing the O/S only, cable guide ordered (£20.50) from my new friendly Citroen stealer, they wanted £38.50 for the handbrake cable so will source one elsewhere (Pagid are £14), will try to fix it myself next week, fingers crossed.

[Peter.N.]

I have given mine a new lease of life by soaking them with oil, if you squirt oil repeatedly over the cracked outer cable it will eventually get into the cable and free it up. Mine passed the MOT like that this year.

Peter

[lakanooky2]

I got my new tubes from RIGBYE in Chorley
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-CITRO ... 3f4acd7865" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[GB]

OMG! This job is absolute pita!

Removed the old O/S guide with the seized cable.

Now, how do I fit the new cable guide without having to take out the exhaust? Are there any trick to it? Spent about an hour to no avail.

[Stickyfinger]

I ran string tied to a wire to help guide it in the tube and down the path, the tube then followed....still a pain.

[myglaren]

I let a local garage do mine and they said it was a bit of a nightmare, mentioned having to remove heat shields.

[daviemck2006]

I did mine on ramps and axle stands on the driveway. Undid all the fixings of the heat shield then a mixture of brute force, skinned knuckles accompanied by lots of swearing. It's a job I don't particularly want to do again.

[Gibbo2286]

For the o/s one I fit the tube first by running a flexible drain cleaner from the cab down the route to the wheel then feeding the tube over it from the wheel back to the cab, no need to remove the heat shield then once the tube's in place feed the cable in.

The n/s one is more difficult but still needs only a partial lowering of the heat shield and use of the same drain cleaner to guide the tube into place, it's bit of a Chinese puzzle though twisting and turning.

[GB]

TBH I haven't even tried to insert it from the wheel side. I like the idea of wire/string, will try a garden wire.

Thank you all for you suggestions, much appreciated.

Taking a break this morning due to rain, will tackle it again this afternoon. Not looking forward to it.

[GB]

OK, job done. 3hrs today. MOT re-test booked for tomorrow.

Thank you so much for all your help and advice. I really appreciate it.