[Bassman]

Getting a squeaking noise (intermittent). Sounds like maybe a sticking brake caliper but I'm just guessing. Anyone had a similar problem? A3 1.6SE 2001 45,000 miles.

This occurs when NOT braking and will last a few seconds and then is usually ok again for a while. It particularly happens when taking a right turn. Presumably there is an increased load on the problem wheel.

 

[A3 KID]

do you use car regually, heavy brake and since you have had it have you changed the disks? as they sound warped to me or like you say a sticky caliper

 

[Bassman]

Only had the car a few weeks, use it daily and my driving style generally is light braking. I wondered about warped disks but I don't know what could cause that to happen.

 

[A3 KID]

it maybe the cause and also could be a poor quality brake discs thats why they would warp

 

[jonallport]

Sounds like the same thing I have on my 1998 A3, a kind of metallic 'ringing' from the rear wheels that goes away under braking - leads me to believe it's the rear pads making scant contact with discs, ie. caliper not withdrawing far enough.

I had the wheels off over the weekend and there's plenty of life left in the discs and pads, adjusted the handbrake cable and it's lessened but still noticable.

Any fresh ideas gratefully received; can't afford new discs/pads/calipers!

 

[jonallport]

Me again!

Have had a chat to my office-neighbour, he has an S2 which has been comprehensively taken apart and re-assembled in its life. He suggested it might be the handbrake self-adjuster. I've checked my Haynes manual and it would make sense; the handbrake operates via a cam mounted on a vertical pin, apparently the pin-mounting gets filled up with greasy brake dust and means the self-adjuster over-tightens, keeping the pad in contact with the disc.

He claims it's a calipers off, disassemble calipers, clean and rebuild job. I think it can wait for warmer weather!

 

[jonallport]

Caliper update...BREAKING NEWS...

Car is now with garage chap! Was replacing rear pads earlier and RH piston WOULD NOT withdraw into caliper body. After much fighting an foul language the piston came out 'a bit too far' and did a little wee - oops!

Turns out that the rubber gater over the piston was pinched and piston developed a little coroded 'scab' preventing it from pulling back smoothly into the caliper. Garage man says new caliper is not available (Bank Holiday weekend) and, of course, brakes are now full of air. Garage man says he'll clean it up, bleed brakes and see how we go. Will have to find cash for new disks and maybe new caliper next month - not looking forward to that.

So that, dear reader, is how I solved the issue of my squeeky brakes...so far.