98 Jetta stuck parking brake

[bradjetta]

I have a 98 Jetta Wolfsburg w/ 77k mi. on it. For the last year the parking brake was "sticky", so I avoided using it. Another driver used it this past weekend and cranked on it, and it stuck. I was able to free it up w/ some WD-40 and some wiggling on the end of the cable by the brakes. I'm guessing I need to replace the cables, which aren't too expensive. Is this something I could do myself w/ nothing more than a single wheel jack, or is it rather involved?
thanks,
Brad

[miro1118]

Here is a quick overview. Refer to a repair manual for exact procedures.

You need to remove the parking brake console between the seats. There are two brake cables hooked to a bracket with screws. undo the screws and pull out from the tubes under the car (Be careful not to pull the tubes out.) Undo all of the clips all the way to the to the wheels. You need to pull the wheel and the drum. The cable connects to the brake mechanisms (Refer to bentlys or chiltons) I think you need to undo the whole assembly to get the cable disconnected. I would probably replace the shoes if I went that far. (If you have disks I think you can unclip the cable from the brake mechanism pretty easily) Then run the cables back the way you pulled the old ones. Adjust so that your brake is holding between 4 and 7 clicks on the handle.

In Summary I would say it is a do it yourself if you know how to do (Or think you can learn to do)a rear drum brake job.

[bradjetta]

Thanks a ton for the info. The Wolfsburg comes with rear disc brakes as well, which makes for easier diss/ re- assembly. I probably wouldn't attempt it if they were drums. Do you think there's enough access under the parking brake to do this w/o a lift, or by riding it up on some blocks?

[miro1118]

IMHO you should only get under a car that is supported by its wheels, jackstands, ramps, or a lift and only if they are used properly. You may be able to reach under the car from the side to pull the cable out from the tubes. I would at least pull the front of the car up on ramps or use two jackstands. Blocks or just a jack may be too shaky. You would't catch me under there.

[bradjetta]

thanks again for the advice. I have two large area, half-thickness, solid cinder blocks that I routinely use to change the oil. I use wheel blocks on the back wheels as well, of course. Of course not having the added protection of the parking brake engaged has to be considerred.