I found trying to get the handbrake out a real pig! Cables are awkward to get off in situ. On mine the cables were seized in the sleeves, the caliper brake lever wasn't coming completely off, only moved about a 1/3 of the travel. And this ratchet I could not get to reset without making a tool. Oh and, AND a previous owner had got the sliding pins mixed up so there was limited travel on the caliper! After 2 new handbrake cables, 2 reconditioned calipers, rear pads and discs, I "think" it all now works as it should. I love my A4 but this mechanism is poor. The BMW E46 handbrake which you can manually tighten the cables (like most cars) are a far better set up.
I found trying to get the handbrake out a real pig! Cables are awkward to get off in situ. On mine the cables were seized in the sleeves, the caliper brake lever wasn't coming completely off, only moved about a 1/3 of the travel. And this ratchet I could not get to reset without making a tool. Oh and, AND a previous owner had got the sliding pins mixed up so there was limited travel on the caliper! After 2 new handbrake cables, 2 reconditioned calipers, rear pads and discs, I "think" it all now works as it should. I love my A4 but this mechanism is poor. The BMW E46 handbrake which you can manually tighten the cables (like most cars) are a far better set up.