2003 Volkswagen Jetta Breaks Locking + Overheating

KOALA123

MEMBER
2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

Brakes problem
2003 Volkswagen Jetta Manual

A recent problem occured in our jetta, and this is what is happening.

After driving for 5-10, the breaks start to lock, instead of having the accelerating petal down half way to do 40, you gotta floor it just to do 40. Were keeping it off the road, but the breaks seem to lockup, and SEVERLY overheat.

We bleed the brake system and put fresh break fluid in.

Anyone have any ideas for what may cause it and/or how to fix it.

Thanks.

4 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

First when it locks up, jack it up, open a bleeder, if the wheel now spins, replace the hose, if it remains stuck, change the caliper. This is if the brake fluid has not been contaminated by the wrong fluid being used! Is the rubber seal on the master OK, or swollen? If swollen the fluid may have been contaminated by a petroleum based fluid. If this is the problem, all brake parts made of rubber must be replaced, and the lines cleaned with alcohol, or brakkleen

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Friday, July 4th, 2008 AT 6:05 PM

KOALA123

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Okay we replaced the caliphers and cleaned out the lines and put freshbrake fluid in.

Still no luck.

But what seems to be happening is its something that builds up over time, this time there was STEAM, yes STEAM, coming off the tire/rim area. Something is building intense pressure.

Only thing left to replace, honestly, is the vacuum system. Could this be the problem? Cause everything else is brand new, and nothing left to replace.

Thanks

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Sunday, July 13th, 2008 AT 8:42 PM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

WHAT RESULT DID YOU GET WHEN YOU OPENED THE BLEEDER?

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Monday, July 14th, 2008 AT 8:53 AM

KOALA123

MEMBER
2 POSTS

After replacing the master vacuum system, (which includes the vacuum system and the *compatible* master cylinder), the problem was fixed.

Our car brakes no longer lock and overheat.

Thanks

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Wednesday, July 30th, 2008 AT 10:20 AM