Parking brake squealing, too tight?

Hey guys, I'm a recent 2nd owner of a '99 4th gen Jetta GLS. A few days after I bought it the parking brake started squealing while driving at speeds over 40mph. Low speeds won't cause it, and it takes a few miles to start the squeal even at highway speeds.

I'm positive it's the parking brake since the handle only pulls up about 1" to apply it fully, the squeal goes away when you lift the e-brake or tap the brakes, and it feels as though the e-brake handle is adjusted way too 'tight'.

How can I loosen the handle tension to allow the brakes to fully release? I'm guessing there's the typical adjustment nut under the center console-armrest area?

Any info you could give would be helpful,
Thanks.
Openroad

It sounds like it's a bit tight, three clicks is about right. It adjusts as you mention, but two cables w/nuts. I assume you have rear disk brakes. If the squeal stops when brake applies then the problem is with the brakes. Either they've been glazed badly or are vibrating. You can spray the back of the pads with a special anti-squeak glue that keeps them glued to the caliper to help prevent this.

Thanks for the tip, when the weather warms up I'll take a look at the rear pads. Yes I do have rear disc BTW. Why I'm thinking it's the parking brake instead of sticky pads is the fact the brakes squeal all the time I'm driving. Even if it is the rear pads, they shouldn't be touching the rotor without the brakes being applied.

I'll also take a peek at those adjusting nuts sometime soon and see about loosening them a bit.


If the squeal stops when brake applies then the problem is with the brakes. Either they've been glazed badly or are vibrating. You can spray the back of the pads with a special anti-squeak glue that keeps them glued to the caliper to help prevent this.