Pads rubbing on inside of caliper - what am I missing?
Discussion
A few weeks back, I changed the front pads and discs on my Mk5 Golf GTI. I got the bits from Eurocarparts and they were Brembo made OEM replacements.
On the road test after fitting, everything seemed fine. Then a few miles later, a squeal began from the front left under very light braking only. At first I thought it was just because the pads were new, so I tried the usual breaking in procedures to no avail.
Today I stripped it back to inspect what was going on. It's obvious to see why it's squealling, the metal parts of the pad frame on the pad that goes into the piston are rubbing on the inside of the caliper, to the extent that they've worn away the paint work!
Well, I cleaned them up, made sure to put Ceratec where it was rubbing, and on the back of the pads, and put them back together very carefully. It's still doing it!
What am I missing? Could it be that the pads are somehow just not quite the right size/shape? Or, could it be because there is no longer a retaining screw on the disc on that side? I had to drill it out. I don't see how that would cause this though, there are 5 wheel nuts holding it tightly in place!
Thanks for any tips.
On the road test after fitting, everything seemed fine. Then a few miles later, a squeal began from the front left under very light braking only. At first I thought it was just because the pads were new, so I tried the usual breaking in procedures to no avail.
Today I stripped it back to inspect what was going on. It's obvious to see why it's squealling, the metal parts of the pad frame on the pad that goes into the piston are rubbing on the inside of the caliper, to the extent that they've worn away the paint work!
Well, I cleaned them up, made sure to put Ceratec where it was rubbing, and on the back of the pads, and put them back together very carefully. It's still doing it!
What am I missing? Could it be that the pads are somehow just not quite the right size/shape? Or, could it be because there is no longer a retaining screw on the disc on that side? I had to drill it out. I don't see how that would cause this though, there are 5 wheel nuts holding it tightly in place!
Thanks for any tips.
YTee said:
the metal parts of the pad frame on the pad that goes into the piston are rubbing on the inside of the caliper,
Do you mean the pressed steel spring clip which is riveted onto the back of the inner pad and fits into the piston? I don't really see how this could be rubbing on the caliper body if it's inside the piston, a photo would probably help.Not the clip no, the hooks (if that's what they're called) are what's rubbing. The bits that stop the pad from sliding forward. There is space for the pad to turn slightly, which I think is what's happening.
I'll can get a photo next time I have the chance to take them apart. That'll be a few days though unfortunately.
I'll can get a photo next time I have the chance to take them apart. That'll be a few days though unfortunately.
bearman68 said:
Might this be the problem - they don't seem to fit
Yes it could be. I did compare the old and new pads though and they are the same basic size and shape, which would indicate it's faulty machining rather than an incorrect part... seems unlikely for a brand like Brembo.thebraketester said:
Two options I guess. Either buy OEM pads or grind the backing plate down a bit so it doesn’t rub.
Yes, I'll probably buy some OEM pads in the end. Shame though, they're not that cheap for the GTI.So as you've guessed, I'm no expert on this, but I would have expected the backing plate to always be in firm contact with the caliper, to stop precisely the kind of vibration that would cause this.
Are you saying that the backing plate shouldn't contact the caliper at all?
silentbrown said:
Isn't there a spring clip on the rear of the piston-side pad that sits inside the piston to locate it? If that's damaged or wrongly located it could cause the problem.
The pressed steel spring clip should push the pad down onto the caliper carrier if it's correctly shaped and correctly installed. They are only held on with a rivet in the middle though, if the clip had somehow been turned 180 if would be pushing the pad away from the carrier.
As above, compare the old pads to the new ones.
I had the same issue a couple of months ago. Turned out ECP didnt actually sell the correct front pads for my MK5 GTi
The correct brembo part number for mine was P85075 - ended up ordering these from amazon in the end.
ECP list a PR number on the fitment detail - make sure this matches your car.
Prit
I had the same issue a couple of months ago. Turned out ECP didnt actually sell the correct front pads for my MK5 GTi
The correct brembo part number for mine was P85075 - ended up ordering these from amazon in the end.
ECP list a PR number on the fitment detail - make sure this matches your car.
Prit
PJutla said:
As above, compare the old pads to the new ones.
I had the same issue a couple of months ago. Turned out ECP didnt actually sell the correct front pads for my MK5 GTi
The correct brembo part number for mine was P85075 - ended up ordering these from amazon in the end.
ECP list a PR number on the fitment detail - make sure this matches your car.
Prit
Yep, I think this is the issue I'm having. GSF list 3 different pad sizes for the Mk5 GTI, ECP only list 2. I think I need the missing one I had the same issue a couple of months ago. Turned out ECP didnt actually sell the correct front pads for my MK5 GTi
The correct brembo part number for mine was P85075 - ended up ordering these from amazon in the end.
ECP list a PR number on the fitment detail - make sure this matches your car.
Prit
There's very little difference in size, only a few mm in it, but that could be enough to cause my issue.I've ordered some, hopefully it'll fix the issue and I can give myself a huge slap for picking the wrong ones!
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