The calipers on both MKIs and MKIIs are prone to sticking after about the ten year mark. The front or rear brake calipers tend to either sieze completely in place, or become too stiff to slide back out after being applied and bind the brakes. This can happen front or rear
Solution can be just to strip and clean them, being sure to grease the sliders but often new or reconditioned calipers may be the only alternative.
Symptoms
- If you are wearing brake pads through quicker than normal (often after only 5000 miles).
- Brakes simply seize, causing burning smell, and significant heat build up around the brakes.
Fixes
- With them the solution was simply to clean and grease the sliders.
- Replace the calipers.