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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Deano2711 on 17 January 2010, 12:10

Title: Brake Caliper Setup
Post by: Deano2711 on 17 January 2010, 12:10
I have today attempted to change my rear pads on my 8v GTi (1997) but the passenger side caliper has seized and so cannot fit the new pads yet. Still closes ok but will not fully open. I have tried to lever it open with a bar but to no avail. I know little about upgrades so just want to know if I was to upgrade the rear calipers could I do this and what could I put on. Also would these upgrades mean changing the discs as well??   Look forward to your replies.     Cheers     Deano
Title: Re: Brake Caliper Setup
Post by: boneybradley on 17 January 2010, 12:29
you need a caliper winder for the rears....don't lever then!
and usually a good clean up can make them last a while longer..and regarding upgrades, the rears is pointless and the only thing I could recommend is some mk4 calipers as these seize much less but require a different hose (due to the connections...although I'm sure goodridge do a conversion kit)
Title: Re: Brake Caliper Setup
Post by: whiter_than_white on 17 January 2010, 14:07
as bradley says you need to wind the rears back, if you dont have the right tools then a pair of long nose pliers should do it, you just need to locate the ends in the lugs on the piston and turn them as you apply pressure  :smiley:
Title: Re: Brake Caliper Setup
Post by: Deano2711 on 17 January 2010, 16:37
Cheers Guys....is it then normal for me to be able to lever the caliper back so far then for it to just stop??  I am in no urgent rush as the pads on the car still have a good few thousand miles left yet. 
Title: Re: Brake Caliper Setup
Post by: kells on 17 January 2010, 17:14
deano long nose pliers wont do it

deffo need wind back tool, halfords do them, the brand is Lazer they cost about a tenner, without this you will NOT be able to do the job

if your fitting new discs you will need new bearings as they are pressed into the disc, and its a difficult job to get em in withot a press, i used a piece of bar which was same dia as the bearing and knocked it in carefully

Title: Re: Brake Caliper Setup
Post by: Deano2711 on 17 January 2010, 18:57
deano long nose pliers wont do it

deffo need wind back tool, halfords do them, the brand is Lazer they cost about a tenner, without this you will NOT be able to do the job

if your fitting new discs you will need new bearings as they are pressed into the disc, and its a difficult job to get em in withot a press, i used a piece of bar which was same dia as the bearing and knocked it in carefully



Cheers Mate     The discs are fine and do not need changing. Checked the bearings for play while jacked up and they seem ok.  The pads are getting low and I will just get the winding tool and change them now.     Thanks for the info     Deano
Title: Re: Brake Caliper Setup
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 17 January 2010, 19:56
Quote
deano long nose pliers wont do it

Sometimes long nosed pliers work, however more often the piston will be stubborn, and you won't be able to do it without the tool.
Title: Re: Brake Caliper Setup
Post by: Dan GTI on 17 January 2010, 22:34
you need a caliper winder for the rears....don't lever then!
and usually a good clean up can make them last a while longer..and regarding upgrades, the rears is pointless and the only thing I could recommend is some mk4 calipers as these seize much less but require a different hose (due to the connections...although I'm sure goodridge do a conversion kit)

Spot on. Mk4 callipers are a little bit lighter too. (and can also fit to mk2)
Title: Re: Brake Caliper Setup
Post by: Ben Lessani on 17 January 2010, 22:39
you need a caliper winder for the rears....don't lever then!
and usually a good clean up can make them last a while longer..and regarding upgrades, the rears is pointless and the only thing I could recommend is some mk4 calipers as these seize much less but require a different hose (due to the connections...although I'm sure goodridge do a conversion kit)

Spot on. Mk4 callipers are a little bit lighter too. (and can also fit to mk2)

If you levered it - there's a chance you damaged the handbrake internal ratchet mech - you need a piston winder.

MK4 units are identical to MK3 - just made of alloy, the internals are the same, no less prone to siezing or otherwise. It would be a pointless swap, not to mention the added cost of the goodridge hoses (TSR ~ £35).

Some light reading for you ... http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=49436.msg1000233#msg1000233
Title: Re: Brake Caliper Setup
Post by: roger1234 on 17 January 2010, 22:42
As mentioned the winding bussiness is for the handbrake adjustment too far and you will have play on your handbrake. I have done it with parrot nosed pliers and other innapropriate tools but better with the proper tool.
Title: Re: Brake Caliper Setup
Post by: Deano2711 on 18 January 2010, 00:10
Cheers Ben.....had a read through your thread. Managed todo all that today except for opening up the caliper. I am going to get the winding tool and finish it off!!!!!!!  Also re-adjusted the hand brake to get a perfect hold on 3 clicks.  Remembered how to do that as when I bought the car it failed it's MOT due to no handbrake....the adjuster on drivers side was loose!!!!!     Cheers     Deano