VW Golf Mk2 Owners Club

16v Gti front brakes dragging

November 02, 2025, 04:25:28 PM

Hi all, I've changed out the old front pads and discs after a solid few years not moving.

Re greased the slide bolts with full wind back of piston and good clean up.

Pumped the brakes back up and they seem to be dragging a lot. Near side a bit more. Almost like they aren't backing off fully.

Not entirely sure why. Anyone have any ideas? Servo maybe?

Re: 16v Gti front brakes dragging

Reply #1 – November 02, 2025, 08:36:39 PM

I think you should check the piston are not sticking.

Re: 16v Gti front brakes dragging

Reply #2 – November 03, 2025, 09:44:59 AM

Hi there, I wound the pistons right back and pumped them back a good few times (without pads and off the carrier) to make sure they weren't binding. Both moved freely out and were quite easy to compress back in. 

Re: 16v Gti front brakes dragging

Reply #3 – November 03, 2025, 10:47:32 AM

Hi without pressure being applied the piston should just relax and let the disc spin freely they always just touch very sightly.

Re: 16v Gti front brakes dragging

Reply #4 – November 03, 2025, 05:10:56 PM

Are the wheels hot at all after a drive, like really hot or just warm?

Re: 16v Gti front brakes dragging

Reply #5 – November 03, 2025, 05:46:22 PM

Before I changed out the discs and pads they were extremely hot. So decided to give them a service as above.

Figured it might have been jammed slides or pistons but everything seemed very free to move when put back together.

Now they are binding but not as badly.

Re: 16v Gti front brakes dragging

Reply #6 – November 04, 2025, 06:58:52 AM

Sounds like you've picked up a little grit or something in the piston.
Could be that they've started to corrode as well.

Fortunately rebuild kits are pretty cheap and you can do them yourself without too much trouble.

Re: 16v Gti front brakes dragging

Reply #7 – November 04, 2025, 08:10:36 AM

Fair point, the callipers on the front have got a lot of years on them, maybe even original. I'll have them off and rebuild them then!

Re: 16v Gti front brakes dragging

Reply #8 – November 04, 2025, 08:15:21 AM

I'll report back when done, thank you all.