Hi everyone,

I had front & rear discs and pads fitted by a local garage recently. I came back from a drive earlier this morning and could smell burning coming from the back of the car. The driver side rear disc was red hot so I took it back to the garage that did the work. He said the caliper is probably stuck and said I would need a new a new one - he didn't want to take it apart again to try and free it off. Does anyone know if they can be saved if this happens? I priced one up at the local Skoda dealer and they want £168+VAT!! I presume you can buy cheaper ones through ECP Etc but they don't come painted?

This is not the first time something has gone wrong when I have taken a car to them so I'm not going back. Can anyone recommend a decent garage in the Yeovil area? Has anyone used John Cornick Motors? They seem to be the only VAG specialists in the area.

Cheers, Ross.

What sort of mileage have you covered/ how long since the brakes were worked on? Have you noticed any drag on the wheel/ failure to release or apply the handbrake recently?

It depends how mechanically minded you are. Check around the pads and disc to make sure everything has been fitted correctly, if so get someone to pump the brake peddle to ensure the pistons are sliding properly in the caliper. The rubber sleeves on them can be damaged and gunge up which prevents proper operation seizing them on/ off. They're not too difficult to change if you're confident enough to do it.

If its any relief GSF stock vRS calipers at £116 and offer £42 off if you return the old unit for refurb.

Thank you for your advice.

I've probably done less than 100 miles on them, they were fitted just under 2 weeks ago. Today is the first time I have noticed the smell and I have done the same journey a few times since they were fitted. The handbrake is fine, in fact it works much better than it did with the old discs & pads.

I have mechanical theory but I lack practise and tools! I will go and check the installation now, I will have to wait until the wife gets home later to check they are sliding properly.

Thank you for your advice.

I've probably done less than 100 miles on them, they were fitted just under 2 weeks ago. Today is the first time I have noticed the smell and I have done the same journey a few times since they were fitted. The handbrake is fine, in fact it works much better than it did with the old discs & pads.

I have mechanical theory but I lack practise and tools! I will go and check the installation now, I will have to wait until the wife gets home later to check they are sliding properly.

Hmm seems a very short distance for the caliper to suddenly pack in. Do give it a good check over and make sure everything is in properly and you're not dealing with a mechanic looking for a bit more work.

Had a caliper pack up on my mk2 Golf ( :think: ) not so long back. I was surprised by how straight forward the job was but I did have to borrow a caliper winder to open the new unit enough to get it over the pads and disc. Once its all on give it a bleed and you'll be good as new (couldn't get the old one off without losing some fluid!)

You can get refurbed calipers from ebay for around £70, and don't need to return the old one. i bought one the other week and cannot fault the item, its like new. You can save money if you go to somewhere like big red and get a seal kit, but if you're not able to do the refurb yourself it will land up more expensive that this £70 option which would be my personal recommendation.

Link to caliper I purchased:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/160877110765?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Wow, that's a good price considering the price of one from Skoda.

I think that's my answer, I will get one ordered now. I just hope the rear disc hasn't warped - its looking a bit blue!

Thank you!

I can vouch for the eBay suppliers as it is our lass's dads shop. If you have any question just email them and they will reply with in 24hours normally. They are the TRW calipers.

Yep - I'm impressed!

When I ordered it there didn't seem to be an express shipping option available so I gave them a ring and they upgraded it to next day for me for FREE! Its being fitted this morning.

You'll have spoken to Steven then. They try to give te best service they can.

Just a quick update;

The old caliper was seized solid so the new one did the trick. I ended up using John Cornick motors in Yeovil, they were great, a good service and very reasonable as well. They also fitted Superpro front wishbone bushes for me at the same time as the caliper.