C3 Front Disc Brakes

[Jeff]

I have an issue with my C3 1.4HDI front disc brakes which I wondered wether anyone else may have experienced.

 

The problem is a rubbing noise from the nearside front brake but only after a period of heavy braking when decending fairly long steep hills. The rubbing noise is not present under any other braking conditions and disappears after a short period once the vehicle hits level ground.

 

The pads and discs are in good order (pads and discs were last replaced approx 20,000 miles ago after a similar condition prompted me to put the car into a garage).

 

The garage says the brake caliper is probably sticking but I do not think that is necessarily the case as there are no brake bind indications.

 

Does anyone have anything to add. Is is simple for me to remove the pads?

[paul.h]

Pad removal is easy enough, remove the lower guide pin bolt (30 Nm torque) on the caliper and pivot it up and off the pads, then lever out each pad from the mounting braket. Give them and the bracket a good clean before refitting with a smear of copper grease on the pad metal edges where they contact the mounting bracket. With the pads out check the pistons are free by pushing in by hand slightly. However, before this I would jack up each wheel and spin them to see if the brakes are free, then apply the brakes hard and release and see if they are free again - will show if any brake is binding. Do the rears as well, I have found the drums tend to collect a lot of brake dust which needs removing each year or so.