C5 2.2HDi 2001 Front Brake Caliper handbrake seizure

[aspire_helen]

Just a note for early C5 owners. Recently the car began to feel sluggish with increased fuel consumption over a routine short journey. Suspecting a partially seized caliper, the front left wheel felt warm. On removing the wheel it soon came apparent that the handbrake lever on the caliper had partially seized such that the return spring could no longer return the lever. It took a calibrated tap with a sledge-hammer head to free it. I replaced the caliper (£45) no problem, also checking the slide pins were free to move. It was the original caliper....25 years and 206,000miles old!

[mickthemaverick]

Thanks for that Pete, I'm sure it will help some!!

[wurlycorner]

That's done very well then.
I've had a much younger caliper fail on one of my mk1's in exactly the same way.
Do check the handbrake cables though - they do seize up over time, which puts extra strain on the caliper.

[wurlycorner]

I clearly tempted fate by replying to this topic…
Last night! (Pic taken after blowing out the flames from the pads)

[ibog]