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Handbrake Failiure on My A1

10K views 33 replies 17 participants last post by  doublev  
#1 ·
So, Last night having parked my A1 up for the evening, 20 minutes later a hear a bang outside... My A1 has come to rest on the brickwork of my house... Wife says i must have left the handbrake off,, certainly not the case as the car would have rolled before i'd even got out of it! On closer examination the handbrake can be pulled up no further either. So, vehicle reversed to see the damage... Scuffed front bumper, with a small dent in it, and cracked fog light surround (black trim)
This morning a trip to Cardiff Audi, the supplying dealer. They Immediately questioned if the vehicle had been left in gear (in a way that they almost know there is a problem if you dont leave it in gear...) I explained that it wasn't, and asked the purpose of the handbrake if it dosent always hold. The dealer says brakes on all modern cars do this as when it cools down it contracts and can slip, surly that would mean a poor quality product... Upon questioning this, I was made to feel very un welcome and asked if id like to discuss repair options outside a guy from the body shop, or away from other happy customers... awaiting a price for repairs but told it will be around the ÂŁ200 - ÂŁ300 area,
Very disappointed in the product and Audi customer care with their approach to this, whilst I acknowledge the handbook says to leave it in gear, something the service adviser was very quick to point out, the handbook also state on page 71, 'The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the vehicle from accidentally rolling away' ... clearly not the case! Anyone else had issues with this or any thoughts on repair would be gratefully appreciated, thanks
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
Mojito said:
A few have had this, rolled down into their garage, down hill etc. i even caught mine inching back on my drive one day and i caught it before anything happened.

I don't care what anyone says, but imo the A1's handbrake is not up to its job.

There have been too many coincidences now.

Have a search on here for handbrake and you will find more info.
yeah, had a look for it on here after the incident last night... looked at a few other places on the internet as well, and there does seem to be a few of these instances about. Also covered now on Honest Johns website as of Feb this year. I suspect Audi will remain un interested as that would mean admitting something was wrong!
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Pulp84 said:
ajk1972 said:
As posted on here before...... The handbrake works on the rear pads and the pressure on the pads when the handbrake is lifted by itself is not always enough to stop the car rolling away. Audi state to leave the car in gear in the handbook so as soon as you told them you didn't they washed their hands of the problem. It has been posted before that to get maximum holding force it is best to press on the foot pedal while lifting the handbrake lever. There is a noticeable higher position to the handbrake lever without any extra force needed to pull it up.
Guess very difficult to prove that this issue caused your damage. Audi won't want to assist. I find with them the only way to get what you need is by royally kicking off. :roll:
I fully intend to, as for Audi stating to leave the car in gear, well thats as good as saying somthing is wrong and the product isnt right in my opinion. May as well say ' carry a brick with you to put under the tyres when you park'!!!
 
Discussion starter · #26 ·
To keep all those intereseded up to date, after a letter to the dealer, their owners and Audi, I received a call from the dealership, very apologetic about the way this had been handled, A1 dropped off this morning to undergo repairs which Audi will be taking care of... Given a very nice new A3 TDI while mine is away! Fair play to the dealer, they very quick to want to put the situation right.