Golf 1 front brakes not releasing

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UncleFerds
Enlisted
Posts: 2
Registered for: 4 years 6 months
Car Make: Vw
Car Model: Mk 1 citi.com
Location: Cape Town

Golf 1 front brakes not releasing

Post by UncleFerds »

Good day gents.

I need some help. I have a '03 Golf 1 citi.com. As it is our 3rd vehicle it doesn't get driven often.

Lately if it has been driven for a couple of kays the front brakes lock up and won't release. I can still drive the car but the brakes get hot and obviously don't pull like it normally does.

Quick fix 1. Pulling the pipe from the intake out of the booster and pushing it back in. This immediately releases the brakes but the problem comes back shortly thereafter. (I have to add that the pipe is new but has been replaced about 2000km ago)

Quick fix 2. I have found that the brake pedal needs to be pulled back which works but it is just a short term fix.

I know I can add an additional spring to the pedal which will keep it back up.
The other solution will be quite costly. Replacing the booster or master cylinder.

Has anybody experienced this problem as I can not find anything in the forums?

Where do I start looking for the cause?

I don't want to spend money and still have the problem.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.
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grease monkey
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Posts: 379
Registered for: 17 years 6 months
Car Make: Golf
Car Model: MK2
Membership No: missing
Location: Gauteng

Re: Golf 1 front brakes not releasing

Post by grease monkey »

I had it on a non vw and the only solution for me was to replace the booster.
VAG Fan
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Registered for: 8 years
Location: Pretoria

Re: Golf 1 front brakes not releasing

Post by VAG Fan »

Yes, from what the OP described under quick fix no. 1, it does sound as though the booster's working valve, which is normally only operated by the push rod from the pedal, is leaking air into the booster's working chamber, thereby pushing the membrane towards the master cylinder.
Mark R.
- - - - - - - - - -
2004 VW Golf TDI, type 1J, AHF, 317k (2016-current) --- daily
1990 VW Fox, type 16, HM, 304k (2005-current) --- spare runaround
Previous:
1992 Audi 500 SE, type C4, AAR (2001-2020) --- nice while it lasted
1983 VW Golf GTS, type 17, FR (1992-2005) --- most fun car I've ever had
1978 Audi 100 GLS 5E, type 43, WC (1991-92) --- died in the side of a Rekord who cut me off
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Wade
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Posts: 106
Registered for: 6 years 4 months
Car Make: Audi
Car Model: A4 2.0T
Location: Hillcrest, KZN

Re: Golf 1 front brakes not releasing

Post by Wade »

I had this once on an Uno.

Turned out the brake lines were collapsing. Hit the brake the pressure builds and engages brakes. Foot off brake and brake hose would collapse and cause the brakes to seize. Only happened when hot.

Replaced brake hoses and bled the system and problem went away.
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