2004 Volkswagen Golf Red hot brake caliper

Tiny
SHARP8677
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
  • 2.0L
  • TURBO
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 149,000 MILES
I drive a 54 vw golf. I have just realised that even on a 10 min drive the front right caliper is red hot to touch. None of the other calipers are having this problem. The disc does not seem to be pitted and the pad from the small amount I can see doesn't appear worn. When braking it makes a horrendous sound a bit like metal on metal and stops briefly when I brake
Saturday, December 28th, 2013 AT 2:26 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
You need to check to see if the caliper is sticking or if the rubber brake hose to the caliper is bad.
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Saturday, December 28th, 2013 AT 2:36 PM
Tiny
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Thanks for the quick reply. How do I go about getting the caliper unstuck? Is it a relatively easy fix or will I need new pads?
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Saturday, December 28th, 2013 AT 2:45 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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It will matter what is wrong with the caliper. If the piston is frozen, you are better off replacing it. I need you do check something for me.

1) Safely lift and support the vehicle so that wheel is off the ground.
2) Try turning the wheel. If it does turn, have a helper apply the brakes and then release them to see if the caliper releases and you can again turn the wheel.
3) If the wheel doesn't turn or doesn't release, loosen the bleeder valve on the caliper and see if the wheel then turns.

Let me know what you find.

Also, if you have some mechanical ability, you should be fine replacing the caliper. I can help you through it.
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Saturday, December 28th, 2013 AT 2:53 PM
Tiny
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I'm unable to check at the moment. As I'm away from home but I really just needed a bit of a cuddle to know my car is not gonna die on me! You've been an amazing help and really quick to reply to my posts thanks again and id defiantly use this site again because of your help
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Saturday, December 28th, 2013 AT 3:02 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Hi Again:
I'm glad this is helping. I am concerned that you are not at home to check this. Do you have the vehicle with you? I am worried about driving it any distance under this condition. It "Could" cause a fire.

Let me know if I can help.
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Sunday, December 29th, 2013 AT 12:00 PM
Tiny
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Thankyou for your concern we managed to get to a kwikfit and left the vehicle with them your help has also helped us understand the problem. We we're told all parts needed to be changed 'caliper, disc and pads' we've been quoted  290 plus the cost of a caliper
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Sunday, December 29th, 2013 AT 12:06 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Can you tell me how much that is in USD?
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Sunday, December 29th, 2013 AT 5:16 PM
Tiny
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It is gonna be around $450 but that's a bit of a guess really as the exchange rate is around 1.5
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Monday, December 30th, 2013 AT 1:14 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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That is expensive. However, I don't know what the labor rate is where you are. A rotor for the vehicle is around 30 dollars, the caliper is around 50 dollars, and the brakes are around 25 dollars. That is 105 USD plus there would be a labor charge for around 75 USD.
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Monday, December 30th, 2013 AT 5:19 PM

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