Brakes seem to be sticking-SRI CDTI

[Vaux-Man-G]

Guy's,

Was using my dad's SRI CDTI 150 (FL) today and noticed something very odd.

First of all the MPG had dropped to a 33.6 mpg, and then when I was driving, it just didnt seem to have the same kick about it as normal.

Anyway, further driving and when I was slowing down, I just seemed to notice that the car came to a gradual halt ever so quickly.

Then I investigated further and when approaching every junction, it didnt seem to roll to the end as it normally would (i.e. the traffic lights line). In fact when I let it coast in neutral it fell a good 25-30 metres short !!

Anyway, my thoughts on it are that the brakes are sticking as I tried it on a quiet road and when I took off slowly, I could almost feel the car stop itself in the same way that the brakes would normally stop you (the same throw forward feeling-but obviously at slow speed)-I think you get what I mean.

Then, when I eventually parked up I opened the door and I could smell something almost burning, it like the smell when a clutch is slipping. Anyway, I stuck my nose inside the back wheel and then the front wheel and smell seemed to be coming from the front!

Has anyone had this happen to them before?

What could be problems? Pad's, Calliper's, Disc's, Caliper Piston sticking?

All ideas and suggestions welcome.

Thanks in Advance!!

[ghostrider]

Feel the brakes, if they are toooooo hot they are sticking.

[Vaux-Man-G]

Well there was smell....if this is....whats the cure?

[tridley]

Sounds like a caliper may be siezed in which case replacement is required. On modern ABS systems it could be hydraulic pressure from a faulty ABS unit. If you spin the disc and it is binding, slowly open the bleed valve on the caliper to relieve the hydraulic pressure. If it still binds it is the caliper, but if it frees the disc then it is a problem with the hydraulic ABS system. A job for the experts. HTH

[Vaux-Man-G]

FACK....its only just out of warranty too! I knew summat would happen!!! Costly repair???

[gtr1000]

Have a look at http://www.vectra-c.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62279 and http://www.vectra-c.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62384. Food for thought?

[si1964]

hi, i had the same problem on my sri, 03, except it was the nsr, wheel steamed when it was raining, the trouble was the outer piston seal had split on the caliper making the piston rusty. had to fit a new caliper, not cheap, came to about £80, used an easy bleed to clear the air, very easy to do.
si

[merikiito]

Some of the members who have upgraded to 314mm discs might have their old callipiers available for a small price. Might be worth putting up a request on "parts wanted"

[Vaux-Man-G]

I have managed to narow it down to the drivers side front wheel as after about a 7 mile drive...the wheel was piping hot!!

[vectragsi3.2]

I have managed to narow it down to the drivers side front wheel as after about a 7 mile drive...the wheel was piping hot!!

thats exactly where my problem is on my gsi im having the flexi hose changed today but i suspect its the caliper!!! ive also noticed a drop in mpg too