the 'binding rear caliper' guidance please

[Chris#101]

So as of recent Ive heard this pop up a fair bit and a quick google search prooves this this is extrememly common on the mk4 golfs although there wasnt much info on what causes it/ needs replacing

since owning the car iv only ever managed to get in the low 20s mpg which ive finally had enough of so i thought id jack my car up and see whats what;

both front and rear offside freewheel a treat as does the near side front

how ever the nearside rear  I struggle to barely turn let alone free wheel, so im hoping my low mpg figures has something to do with this.

so my questions are what is it that get stuck:
piston!?
Carrier pins!?
handbrake cable springs!?


help much appreciated 

[marcos]

I found it was my piston as when i put the wind back tool on it was very stiff compared to opposite side, i just worked it in and out a few times, works for a few months then binds again

[boyob32]

probably your caliper, as above I did mine a while back. Really hard to wind back in and a few weeks later siezed again.

[Big Tone]

Replace the handbrake cables and sleeves (all one part), these crack and split, get clogged up and become restrictive.

Low 20s mpg, I would be looking elsewhere for faults also,

any Codes?
Check vac/boost pipework, check valves, hose clips for leaks etc.

How far and how are you driving it and getting these figures?

If you drive three miles to work on back lanes it will differ massively compared to if you travel 100m a day on motorways.

If the brakes were binding that hard there would be some serious heat build up!

[Chris#101]

next weekend il have have a look and strip down caliper and grease up. should solve a few things. I guess it can only be the piston, pins or cable sticking 

Just come across this thread anyone tried it?
http://www.clubgti.com/forum/showthread.php?t=207880

Cars code free, only done 80k miles with VW FSH

my work place is 1.5mile away so 3 miles round trip per day 

[Big Tone]

Aint gonna get high mpg with that journey

Anyways, how come you drive that! lazy bugger.

[Chris#101]

Aint gonna get high mpg with that journey

Anyways, how come you drive that! lazy bugger.

haha I know  quite lucky really, although Im not exagerating when I say I can barely turn the wheel with the handbrake off on the near side rear calliper

Been to cold and wet recently  il whip the road bike out when it gets a bit warmer