I've done some digging and found some answers but I'm still not 100%. Wondered if anyone else has had this.

For a few months now my rear brakes have made a squeek when reversing. It would only happen once in a blue moon. I put it down to the pads I was using.

Now these last few days it has started as low speeds (under 30ish) going forward also.

To cap it all off now today I've noticed the handbrake lever seems slack. As in you can raise it up a fair bit before you feel tension.

I've done some looking. I'ce noticed you can get springs to fit the caliper. I can only see pics of this on 233mm calipers mind. I've also read somewhere that you can get balance weight springs?

My car is a late mk1 vrs (55 plate). I dont seem to have the holes to fit an external spring. However I do seem to have a large plastic/rubber bung right on the back of the piston which I can't find on etka or on any pics on the web. Would these be the weight springs? I believe this were fitted by seat etc to stop what is called moaning or mooing lol?

thanks

Sounds to me you've got a sticking caliper<br /><br />Sent from my Galaxy S2 not a Crapple!<br />

handbrake return springs are knackered

tbh best to get refurb calipers - external springs will mask the problem for a while, but not cure it

did u check the pads?

No longer than 2 days ago I had a similar problem,hard noise from the rear when braking at low speed...one of the spring's pad was off in the capiper's gap.The pad was siting in a wrong position,was starting to wear uneven and got a nasty groove from the rotor's edge.

No time for new pads,I redress the pad on a grinding machine,swich position with the other one and everything is fine now,no more noise.Braking is strong

Edited 20 September, 201213 yr by IulianE

Take pads out and clean them up and make sure there all nice and clean, put abit of copper grease on pads and chanfer edges on pads if there not already,

Then go to dealer and order 1K0 615 295 Left Spring and 1K0 615 296 Right Spring, there about 2 quid each then have fun trying work out how they fit onto handbrake lever bit on back of caliper

cheers. After messing about last night. They seem to be returning back once the handbrake is released. Loads of mud / crap on the back of them. I ordered the springs anyway today, after seeing other threads. Massive £1.45 +vat each

Will be fun as 1) my car is on its arse, 2) I've the retro fitted counter weight thing, which is supposed to stop squeeking. Vag charge 134 quid plus vat for them! Previous owner must of fitted it, or maybe late vrs' had them?

Edited 21 September, 201213 yr by john_20v

no car had them as standard fit

you can loop the hooked part of the springs round the brackets and the balance weight will keep it in place, other end fits through handbrake lever arm