I am working on getting a local independent VAG specialist down here to take a look, I had the smell again this evening after driving just 1 mile at 40mph (three left turns and a roundabout). The engine was not up to temperature, but you could feel a lot of heat from the drivers front wheel area. The passenger side was normal, but the drivers side was noticeably hotter. when kneeled down by the wheel and engine running.

I was originally aiming for a Saturday and its booked in for a couple of weeks time, but based on this evenings experience I'll call them and see if I can take sometime off work to take the car over to them.

MkOneMan replaced my front discs and pads today whilst I was at work (thanks v much +++) and all vibration has gone and smooth and effective braking has returned. He cleaned the calipers and pistons out completely and as suspected water had got past the rubber seals on the offside front inner pistons so both were seized. All cleaned up and now working great but the sight of the old discs and the quality of the previous pads I had used (crumbled) made shocking viewing.

I still feel yours is sticking calipers related, have you had a proper look at both sides of the discs and pads?

Not both sides, but the outer pad and the disc are ok. I tried to get a better look behind, but the weather is not helping things at all, I just wish it would stop raining.

When they stick, the outside will look good, but the inside will be the problem.

I am taking it to the independent on Tuesday now, so I'll know then whats up.

Someone has suggested to me that the brake hose may be collapsing internally between the caliper and the cars brake lines. I'll also get them to check that whilst they have the car today.

I am currently driving their 21 year old modified H reg Golf GTI 16V and it feels very small compared to modern cars.

Car is all sorted, drove the Golf back to the garage. The bill was just 1 hours labour, the cause was a almost seized slider. Hopefully now its all been stripped down, cleaned up etc. and put back together its all sorted. They are very confident that its now fixed after an extensive road test, so lets see. The early part of next week will see the Audi racking up about 500 miles so that should test it.

I'm amazed how some people think up really wild scenarios..... always check the simple things first :tuttut:

That's exactly what yours turned out to be +++

Glad it's all sorted +++ and the cheapest fix.

Neil spot on with the brakes fella. You're getiing good at this :D

Noisy from brake pads and discs!
 

I recently replaced my D2 4.2 front brake pads and discs for new ones from Eurocarparts, Pagid brand.
It turns out they are horribily noisy, it's really unbearable.
At first I think after some break in things would improve, but got even worse.
Calipers and other brake components are fine.
Any ideas?

Thanks,

D.