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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Sanemancured on 21 April 2026, 10:36
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I’ve been away for a few days and I set off this morning to get my wheels refurbished. I didn’t get far. My left rear caliper is seized on. What generally causes this? A seized caliper piston?
I’ve ordered a VD500 scanner to retract the EPB and I’ll have a look. Possibly a good clean and new pads and maybe discs. Are the calipers themselves likely to need replacing?
Thank you
Peter
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Binding like you describe will be a piston that isn't retracting, but sliders can also contribute to poor brake performance. Pistons and sliders dry out if not maintained, or if the right grease is overlooked. Usually, people that change discs and pads for you omit the basic maintenance tasks that prevent such issues, like greasing or wire brushing as required. Time is money for garages ofc.
I assume you can't rotate the wheel freely - is your disc wearing on both sides or just one? The sliders on mine were lazy, which are easily done without retracting the parking brake, but you can grease the piston whilst being able to manipulate it. Put grease in there and exercise it in/out a few times and it should come back to life. All my calipers are original except one which VW snapped a bleed nipple off of. Make sure your pads fit well too, if you have to hammer them out it's usually indicative something needs a fettle.