What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Electronic handbrake problem

I am getting a grinding/squealing noise coming from the electronic handbrake unit location on my Scenic 2004.

The noise only occurs when I am stopping my car or parking it, it does not occur all of the time.

I replaced my old one with a second hand one as it was doing the same thing. If I reverse prior to parking or stopping the unit does not squeal and acts as normal.

Out of curosity I took apart my old unit and looked inside to see what if any was the cause of the squealing/grinding noise without success.

Safeguarding any future requirement for purchasing a brand new unit I was wondering if there was any other item that I should investigate prior to taking that action. Could it be the actual cables needing grease or something else simple?

Asked on 22 March 2011 by Moddy

Answered by Honest John
These are basically electric motors that squeeze the calipers together clamping the rear brake discs with the pads. A universal problem with them is water ingress. I didn't think they were cable operated.
Similar questions
I have an intermittent problem with the handbrake on my 2004 Renault Grand Scenic, and Renault say the motor in it is broken. What should I do?
My camper van won't move. It was parked up after going through a flood and is now stuck. On starting it fires up and both forward and reverse gears can be engaged, but the wheels will only turn one eighth...
My local Honda dealer recently serviced my 2012 petrol Civic with 24,000 miles on the clock. They told me the handbrake travel was too long and suggested the cause was the caliper and probably both sides...
Related models
Far better than the previous model. The Grand model seats seven. Practical and versatile. Excellent crash test rating.