My 1.9 TDI economy is down 7mpg roughly so I'm checking various things to see what might be causing the loss. I checked the brakes today and need some advice please -

I left the handbrake off and jacked the rear up to spin the wheels and I could hear and feel there was constant light contact.

I then put the handbrake on and jacked the front up and spun the front wheels - again I could hear and feel constant light contact (if anything it was worse on the front).

I'm guessing my brakes are dragging front and back and the wheels should spin freely, smoothly, silently?

What could be causing this and how can I resolve it?

I'm keen to do the work myself if possible as I want to gain more mechanical knowledge.

Any advice would be appreciated. Clive

Try a new air filter for a starter.

DB.

Thanks Mogwye, the air filter is only a couple of months old.

I have swapped the MAF over to no benefit and changed the coolant temperature sensor too.

I'm going to change the fuel filter soon but I think I'm onto something with the brakes . . . .

There is always slight contact of brake pads with the discs, the wheels will not spin absolutely free for some time after application. Drum brakes have return springs to pull the brake shoes away from the brake drums and will spin freely. Disc brakes do not have return springs or mechanism to pull the brake pads back, hence slight contact. If they were binding enougth to reduce your fuel economy you would have brakes binding so tight you would hardly be able to turn your wheels, and they would run extremely hot and you would have a strong burning smell.