Brake Caliper Setup

[Deano2711]

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

[boneybradley]

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)

[whiter_than_white]

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 

[Deano2711]

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. 

[kells]

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

[Deano2711]

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

[AudiA8Quattro]

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.

[Dan GTI]

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)

[Ben Lessani]

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

[roger1234]

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.