Ok, folks

 

Just noticed that there has suddenly developed about two notches worth of free play in the handbrake lever.....Handbrake still works OK but it feels as though the release arms on the back of the caliper are not releasing with the handbrake cable. A very trusted garage told me at the last service that one of the calipers was sticking slightly. It is also the case that the discs and pads are now well worn. This is on a 1.9tdi 8 valve BKC estate 2005 156,000 miles

 

My questions are these.........

 

Am I likely to cure the sticking caliper (if it is sticking - it may just be the pads are not free to slide about in their seating) by changing the discs and pads - after all the brake piston will be in a different position?

 

Does the handbrake lever on the back of the caliper have a tendency to seize up?

 

Is it unlikely that the handbrake cable itself is sticking?

 

Is it too much of a job to dismantle the caliper, clean everything up and reassemble?

 

Is there a picture guide of anyone doing a caliper service/stripdoen/reassembly job that anyone knows of (I can't find one on our trusty forum)?

 

Any advice is greatly appreciated

 

Many thanks in advance

Tom

 

Is there anyone out there?.....................This isn't like the forum I used to know!!

 

Seriously, if anyone can offer a little knowledge it is very much appreciated

 

Thanks, all

 

Tom

I recently stripped one of my rear calipers that was binding due to a missing dust seal.

As I recall...

Jack up car and remove wheel.

Use a 13mm and 15mm spanner/socket to remove the two caliper guide pin bolts.

Lever off caliper and remove pads.

Reattach the caliper by one bolt so the lower part is attached to the upper mount. This gives you access and a secure part to work on.

Use locking grips to gently pinch the rubber brake pipe to prevent fluid loss.

Crack open slightly the bleed nipple on the caliper.

Use a caliper piston wind back tool to unscrew the piston. Mine was so seized the tool deformed the piston cutouts as I had to use a wheel wrench to turn it, eventually giving up and using a large pair of pipe grips to gradually unscrew it.

Once you have the piston out remove the dust and piston seals.

Assess condition of parts and clean as required, a toothbrush is handy to get into seal recesses after you've used a cocktail stick to pick out stubborn build up.

Use brake cleaner aerosol liberally to wash out caliper, piston and seals. Holts brake cleaner is Prestone deicer relabelled! ... big yellow can.

Reassembly:

Refit piston seal into caliper and apply a liberal smear of fresh brake fluid to it and the inner surface of the caliper to aid piston reinsertion.

Fit dust seal to piston and then fit it into the caliper which is a bit tricky. I wouldn't suggest you fit the dust seal to the caliper then try to fit the piston... it won't happen!

Once you have the piston in the caliper screw it back in fully. It should be easy to turn.

Reassemble the caliper/brake pad assembly, cleaning and copper greasing where required.

Nip up the bleed nipple and remove the locking grips from the brake pipe.

Bleed the caliper as per usual ensuring a good brake pedal before refitting wheel and driving.

I hope that helps, take your time and ensure cleanliness with the hydraulic components.

It'll not take much more than an hour or so.

Micmac

 

Superb post. Thanks so much. I knew someone would be out there on this forum it never fails to deliver.

 

I will print off your instructions - they are so good and get the job done

 

Thanks again

 

Tom

Let us know how you get on.

Micmac and anyone interested.............

 

Brakes now sorted out. The following is my experience.........The brake has obviously been binding for some time unbeknown to me before I had actually noticed it but the cause was established to be a sticking caliper (the handbrake lever to be exact)...........I couldn't free it and because of the weather, my circumstances (having to do the job on the drive in our English climate) and also time constraints so I decided to get a reconditioned caliper with a view to renovating the old caliper as a little bit of a project that I could do in my garage with no time pressure but the caliper was an exchange item so I didn't get around to completely dismantling it.

 

It does seem as this issue is not uncommon with VAG vehicles and I did find plenty of stuff on you tube.

 

So, thanks again Micmac and anyone else who may have read this post or has the same problem

 

Thanks again to this forum

 

Tom

The problem is there just waiting to happen to any vehicle with sliding pin type brakes. 

Good choice getting a properly refurbed caliper, usually the cheapest longer term solution.

Glad you got your problem sorted.

As for your refurbishment project, perhaps you could document your endeavours and post photos (from the comfort of your garage).

I'm sure others would benefit.

Ref post 114. My son has a Fabia 05 with same problem. Can you advise me where I can get new seals for the calliper just in case I make a mess of it.

Thanks

Larry

Got mine from Rainworth Skoda in Mansfield.

Got same problem now - your chances are very low. I lost half of a new pad in about 3000km and left rear disc is overheating.

 

You can remove calliper, clean it from outside. Many times screw it back, press the pedal just to make it work. BUT it rarely helps because there is something like pipe thread inside and it gets rusty.

 

You better off with a brand new calliper.

Edited 25 October, 201510 yr by sniper29a