Author Topic: Thoughts on Handbrake cable  (Read 4787 times)

Offline Nino

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Thoughts on Handbrake cable
« on: 10 July 2024, 11:13 »
Morning folks,
So, my Ed35 went in for a service yesterday at VW. (I have a service plan and 2 year used warranty)

Got a call that after they finished my service and parked my car up, one of my handbrake cables snapped.  :cry:
Thankfully, they have agreed to replace that snapped cable under my warranty package for me dispite thier machcanics diag being that it happened due to it being old and rusty.

I must say that I was shocked to hear this as my handbrake has been great and never once felt notcy or stiff.

They asked me if I wanted the other cable replaced at the same time so I am not in a situation where I have 1 new cable and 1 old cable which could be effectively a ticking time bomb, which makes complete sense to me but when I asked the price, I got a whooping quote of £226!

I asked for a total breakdown and got this back.

The total cost breakdown is

Labour is 1.30 hours at a cost of £202.80 (our labour rate is £156.00 including vat)
Price of part is £23.40
Total is £226.20

I have slightly challanged this and asked if it can be looked at again given that the labour shouldn't be that high given that they will already be in the place they need to be as they are replacing the other cable under warranty, by this I mean the center console removal to access the handbrake. I appreiate that they will need to un-hook the other cable from the other rear caliper and pull it out (5min job imho) and also need to re-setup the new cables for resistance for correct clamping force (30mins max imho).

I have a feeling though that they won't play ball here and will have to foot the full cost.

My question is, can I get away with only replacing 1 cable? I am concerned from a safty aspect.
VW Car history
Mk3 1.8 GL - Silver - 5 door
Mk4 1.8t - Silver - 3 door
Mk4 R32 - Black - 5 door
Mk5 GTi - Black - 5 door
Mk4 R32 - Deep Pearl Blue - 3 door
MK6 2.0 TDI - Graphite Blue - 5 door
MK7 GTD - Solid Black - 5 door
MK6 GTi Edition 35 - Candy White - 3 door

Offline Nino

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Re: Thoughts on Handbrake cable
« Reply #1 on: 10 July 2024, 13:31 »
Update: I managed to get them down to £179 so going ahead. I don't like the idea of one of the cables on my car being old.
VW Car history
Mk3 1.8 GL - Silver - 5 door
Mk4 1.8t - Silver - 3 door
Mk4 R32 - Black - 5 door
Mk5 GTi - Black - 5 door
Mk4 R32 - Deep Pearl Blue - 3 door
MK6 2.0 TDI - Graphite Blue - 5 door
MK7 GTD - Solid Black - 5 door
MK6 GTi Edition 35 - Candy White - 3 door

Offline Snoopy

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Re: Thoughts on Handbrake cable
« Reply #2 on: 10 July 2024, 22:01 »
You could have got away with just one cable, just because one has rusted and snapped doesn't mean the other is the same.

Their IMO are trying to cover the cost by getting you to pay the labour.  :whistle:  but that's only my personal view.
« Last Edit: 10 July 2024, 22:06 by Snoopy »
Mk6 GTI  &  Mk1 GTI 
34 years of GTI ownership.

Offline Nino

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Re: Thoughts on Handbrake cable
« Reply #3 on: 11 July 2024, 22:44 »
Picked up the car today, they showed me the other cable, all im going to say is, I am glad I decided to get that changed out.
VW Car history
Mk3 1.8 GL - Silver - 5 door
Mk4 1.8t - Silver - 3 door
Mk4 R32 - Black - 5 door
Mk5 GTi - Black - 5 door
Mk4 R32 - Deep Pearl Blue - 3 door
MK6 2.0 TDI - Graphite Blue - 5 door
MK7 GTD - Solid Black - 5 door
MK6 GTi Edition 35 - Candy White - 3 door

Offline Snoopy

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Re: Thoughts on Handbrake cable
« Reply #4 on: 12 July 2024, 19:07 »
 :smiley: I would have done the other side myself on principle as i think their taking the piss charging £155.60 labour for extra 5 mins work as they were already doing the other side.  :smiley:
Mk6 GTI  &  Mk1 GTI 
34 years of GTI ownership.

Offline Nino

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Re: Thoughts on Handbrake cable
« Reply #5 on: 12 July 2024, 21:32 »
I don't disagree - I was being lazy tbh.
VW Car history
Mk3 1.8 GL - Silver - 5 door
Mk4 1.8t - Silver - 3 door
Mk4 R32 - Black - 5 door
Mk5 GTi - Black - 5 door
Mk4 R32 - Deep Pearl Blue - 3 door
MK6 2.0 TDI - Graphite Blue - 5 door
MK7 GTD - Solid Black - 5 door
MK6 GTi Edition 35 - Candy White - 3 door

Offline weejockvw

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Re: Thoughts on Handbrake cable
« Reply #6 on: 14 July 2024, 12:16 »
I work for a parts company and get a good discount I fitted two for £18