Rear Brakes Over Adjusting And Then Overheating....

[hookie]

I have a 1998 1.9TDI. I fitted new rear discs and pads a couple of years ago and all has been fine until about a month ago. On a short drive from home I suddenly became aware that the rear brakes were binding and overheating. Got the vehicle home and when all had cooled off, I removed the calipers and after have checked for any damage I wound the pistons back (they were easy to turn and not seized), checked, cleaned and regreased the caliper sliders and then re-assembled everything. I then checked all the handbrake mechanism, cables and arms, and then readjusted the cable making sure that it was on the loose side rather than over tight. All was then fine until today when the whole thing happened again. Any suggestions please?

[BrianH]

I have a 1998 1.9TDI. I fitted new rear discs and pads a couple of years ago and all has been fine until about a month ago. On a short drive from home I suddenly became aware that the rear brakes were binding and overheating. Got the vehicle home and when all had cooled off, I removed the calipers and after have checked for any damage I wound the pistons back (they were easy to turn and not seized), checked, cleaned and regreased the caliper sliders and then re-assembled everything. I then checked all the handbrake mechanism, cables and arms, and then readjusted the cable making sure that it was on the loose side rather than over tight. All was then fine until today when the whole thing happened again. Any suggestions please?

 

Could be the flexi hoses detoriating inside and causing them to become blocked and not retracting after use. How old is the brake fluid?

 

I

[steve329]

Are you sure the handbrake isn't sticking on? I had this with mine when I first brought it and the handbrake mechanism on the passenger side was sticking on (only very slightly) after working some oil into the mechanism it now works a treat (doubt it's a permanent fix though!)

[seatkid]

Are you sure the handbrake isn't sticking on? I had this with mine when I first brought it and the handbrake mechanism on the passenger side was sticking on (only very slightly) after working some oil into the mechanism it now works a treat (doubt it's a permanent fix though!)

 

Yeah, I think this is a common problem - the parking brake acuator on the caliper gets rusty inside the caliper housing and it doesnt go all the way back to the stop when released. I do what steve does and squirt some penetrating oil under the lever seal and work it a bit - but as steve says its only a temporary fix and needs checking every few months.