Very hot Rear Wheel Golf GTI 8V E-reg

[Ruley Ramundo]

Hi you knowledgeable fellows. I hope you can help me out here, thanks.

The problem that I have is when I am driving it feels like the handbrake is on when it's not i.e dragging when trying to drive normally?

It does not happen every time I drive but when it starts dragging if I then continue driving after a time the smell of burning rubber appears and this morning when I had a feel of the alloy (driver rear) wheel it was very hot after one of these dragging sessions lol. I had the rear wheel off and had a look to see if there was anything blocking and obstructing the wheel or hub but nothing I could see with my untrained eye. What could it be I assume it something more major than a lubrication problem with the hub?

Any help greatly appreciated.

[kahunajb]

Sounds more like a sticking caliper.

[Seanl]

Only really a sticking caliper/drum, or a duff bearing would cause it really.

[rob.043]

Yeah, very likely the break caliper needs rebuilt or replaced. They are known for sticking with age. I had the same problem with mine once.

Apparently the mk4 calipers can be fitted with new hoses, as their design is apparently better, so will ensure longevity. Have a search for further info in the mk2 section....

Get it sorted sooner rather than later. Its not overly safe! and the grease may have already left the hub bearing due to the heat.

[Ruley Ramundo]

Is this a big job to do? I am clueless with cars  . How much roughly would a garage charge for this problem to be solved as I know some garages are not that good with there pricing .

Cheers guys for pointing me in the right direction. Hopefully it will be ok.

[walchy01]

+1 brake calliper, had this issue last year...

[Gambit]

Its usually only the top of the handbrake mech pin that rusts on the caliper, you can knock the pin out a bit, clean it up with emery paper, lash on wd40, free it all up and then grease it.

[Ruley Ramundo]

Its usually only the top of the handbrake mech pin that rusts on the caliper, you can knock the pin out a bit, clean it up with emery paper, lash on wd40, free it all up and then grease it.

Is the pin at the top of the caliper or lower down. I will have a look tomorrow, is there any picture as a reference to show what I am looking for. Also would the cone head on the hub need to be removed and greased where the hub pin is i think. I don't really know what I am talking about I suppose, but I am trying lol, sorry to be a pain.

Cheers.

[sparkplug]

mines just failed the MOT , the rear calliper nearside works on the footbrake
the handbrake lever moves fine..but does not move the piston

new calliper time i think 

[rob.043]

New Caliper:

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Volkswagen_Golf_1.8_1990/p/car-parts/brakes/brake-hydraulics/brake-caliper/?133440741&1&659bac1b54af1c48f317e72edb6c73f6c5b29531&000048

Dont forget the forum discount code for 25% off!

allow a couple of hours to fit it at a garage, max £100 inc vat perhaps?

Or as said, strip and clean the handbreak pin to limp it on for a bit, as thats likely the cause.