I noticed a burning smell coming from one of my rear brakes the other day. The rotor itself is more worn than the other side, and has a bit of a "orangey" rustish film on it. I am guessing the brake is sticking for some reason. And I can always hear a slight rusted brake faint grinding when i apply the brakes from this wheel. The rotors are not rusted however, and I checked and the parking break is disengaging fully!

Rotors are Ok in terms of thickness, and the Pad on the bad side is also about 1/2" thick at least.

The last few times I drove the car it has been fine with no burning smell, although that wheel still makes the faint faint noise.

So if my caliper is sticking - what is likely causing this? Is it the piston itself or the pad sliders?

By turning that particular wheel I can feel a tiny bit of resistance, but it still turns fairly easily

I want to get this brake loosened up asap.

do i need any special tools?

advice needed!

 

Can you see any brake pad on there? Sounds like maybe its work down to the metal.

 

Ok, to give an answer to your question, if the caliper is not releasing, its likely due to a broken/worn caliper.probably needs replaced, but get in ther and take a closer look first.

Oh, there is some tool you need for the rears to push the piston back in while rotating it, so you dont damage it. The tool is only for the rears.

 

If your caliper piston is hanging, I have seen times when bleeding the caliper will loosen it up. If it does not bleed well that typically is a sign that your caliper is worn. You then can either rebuild it (hone and seal kit) or purch a new one. From my experience, if the brake fluid is not changed every two years at the most this type of thing can occur.

 

Had the same smell on my VW brake calipers a year ago and take it for granted until I my mechanic made some bleeding and told me to replace it, to prevent some major problem in my brake system... He also told me that if I were to replace the caliper, definitely replace the pads too, better pads are not too expensive, they are usually 20 bucks... Goodluck!!!

 

Dang wonka, nothing like reviving an old post, I am sure he did his brakes back in january when he posted this.