Pads binding?

[Phil D]

for a little while I've noticed a slight squealing noise from my front right wheel when braking gently. Didn't pay too much attention but now the noise happens occasionally at slow speed when I'm not even braking & I've noticed that the wheel is noticeably dirtier than the left front.
My guess is the brake is binding - does this sound right and if so can it be easily fixed, or having got this far is it likely to be a pads & disc job?
Hints /tips/views very welcome
thanks
Phil

 

[realtime]

Hi could be either a sticky piston in the caliper or if your lucky one of the pads is disintegrating either way it will be cheaper to fix the sooner its sorted and safer of course.

 

[philharve]

Overheating

Hi Phil D

I have experienced something similar which was eventually traced to overheated pads. The surface of the pads had become glazed and it made a squealing noise against the disc. It wasn't necessary for me to be braking when the squealing appeared; it would come and go.

However, in my case both front wheels were affected, presumably due to heavy braking. I don't know why only your front right wheel should be affected unless you have a brake fault such as binding as suggested by 'realtime'. The 'xtra' dirty wheel may provide a clue if this is due to the build up of excessive brake dust.

REGARDS

Phil

 

[television]

The brakes on a 203 are the single piston sliding shoe type , and they need cleaning and lubricating so that they can slide easily

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...647716.651&CT=F&cat=69V&SID=42&SGR=030&SGN=01

 

[Phil D]

thanks for the replies guys - looks like a trip to my local friendly indie on Friday. I'll let you know how I get on
Phil

 

[Phil D]

The caliper was shot - indie couldn't believe it on a car of that age & mileage - 49,000 and just 4 months since B service/MOT and warranty ran out.

They called to order the part (expecting a delay) only to be told they were in stock - 187 + VAT - and by the time that's sorted and new pads put in (at least the disc is OK) the bill, even at indie rates is going to be just shy of 400 quid.

Does anyone think I have any chance of getting MB to make some contribution towards this? the car has a full MBSH from main dealers - or does the fact that I'm having this job done at an indie scupper that?
thanks
Phil