C5 Handbrake cable-top tip

Yes, place your time and money saving tips here.Nothing illegal or dangerous please!Motoring related only please.

Moderator: RichardW

Post Reply
411514
(Donor 2017)
Posts: 421
Joined: 14 Dec 2010, 15:26
Location: Sheffield, Uk
My Cars: Citroen C5 2.0 Hdi 2003
x 39

C5 Handbrake cable-top tip

Post by 411514 »

As some of you may be aware, the Mk1 (at least) C5 handbrake cables are routed through metal guide tubes running from below the centre-console, alongside the exhaust, to the wheel arch.

It seems to be the case that, over time, most likely due to the heat from the exhaust, the cable sheath welds itself to the inner wall of the guide tube. As a result, it it usually the case that when the handbrake cables are replaced, the guide tubes must also be replaced.

I changed my handbrake cables about 4 years ago using new guide tubes. Before inserting the cables into the guide tubes I generously greased the cable sheath. I was hoping that this would avoid the sheath becoming stuck in the guide tube.

I can now report that the greasing seems to work, inasmuch that I have just changed the handbrake cables again, and the greased cables pulled fairly easily from the guide-tube, meaning that I did not need to replace the guide tubes.
Sam

2003 C5 2.0HDI 110
Online
User avatar
GiveMeABreak
Forum Admin Team
Posts: 36997
Joined: 15 Sep 2015, 19:38
Location: West Wales
My Cars: C3 Aircross SUV HDi Flair Peperoncino Red (The Chili Hornet)
C5 X7 2.0 HDi Exclusive Mativoire Beige (The Golden Hornet)
C3 1.6 HDi Exclusive Aluminium Grey (The Silver Hornet)
C5 MK II 2.0 HDi Exclusive Obsidian Black
C5 MK I 2.0 HDi SX Wicked Red
Xantia S2 2.0 HDi SX Hermes Red
C15 Romahome White
XM 2.0 Turbo Prestige Emerald Green Pearlescent
XM 2.0 Turbo Prestige Polar White
XM 2.0 SX Polar White
CX 20 Polar White
GS 1220 Geranium Red
CX 2.4 Prestige C-Matic Nevada Beige
GS 1000 Cedreat Yellow
x 5645

Re: C5 Handbrake cable-top tip

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Thanks for updating the Forum Sam - I'm moving this to the handy hints and tips section.
Please Don't PM Me For Technical Help

Marc
User avatar
myglaren
Forum Admin Team
Posts: 25364
Joined: 02 Mar 2008, 13:30
Location: Washington
My Cars: Mazda 6
Ooops.
Previously:
2009 Honda Civic :(
C5, C5, Xantia, BX, GS, Visa.
R4, R11TXE, R14, R30TX
x 4888

Re: C5 Handbrake cable-top tip

Post by myglaren »

Last time mine were replaced I had them grease the guide tubes and cables - I presumed water ingress to be the culprit but your reasoning appears sound enough.
Post Reply