rear brakes unbalanced across an axle????

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My Name: gaz0609

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Hi Guys/gals


My C3 failed its mot today. One of the things it failed on was 'rear brakes unbalanced across an axle? Does anyone have an idea of what this could be, has anyone faced this problem before?
The mechanic seemed quite sketchy on the details and said he wouldn't know anymore until he took a look at it. He also couldn't give a price. :roll:
So any ideas/advice would be much appreciated. :D
Its an 05 plate 1.4 petrol

Many thanks
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My Name: Missing Lincs

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Hello gaz0609.

What this means is quite simple, the rear brake on one side is working better than the one on the other side.

There are a few causes, your mechanic is right, the easiest way is to have a look, he's also correct that the cost will depend on what they find.

It could be as simple and easy to fix as worn linings (the friction pads that do the stopping and can be simply replaced) or it could be more serious eg contamination of the friction surface with brake fluid leaking from the braking system or one of many other problems. The best policy would be to get it looked at and then go from there.
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My Name: Arfur Dent

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Welcome gaz0609, sorry to hear about your MOT fail :(
One of the things it failed on was 'rear brakes unbalanced across an axle? Does anyone have an idea of what this could be
Probably a seized rear caliper, but you won't really know until you get the wheels off and start looking.

'Across an axle' means the front pair or the rear pair. Each pair must have the same braking force, but the front and rears will have different braking force from each other.

If you are going to have the brakes stripped down and the discs are a bit worn and you are thinking to keep the car for a few years, consider changing the discs and pads while the brakes are in bits to save doing it all again later.

Can I suggest looking at Euro Car Parts (click here) for sourcing parts or just finding prices :)

and you can also find Rear C3 Calipers On eBay (new and used) and the rear cylinders if you have drum brakes.
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My Name: Arfur Dent

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Model: C3 2002-2005, Original shape model
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Hi Missing Lincs, great advice, as usual. You typed much quicker than I did on that one :)

Do keep us updates on how things go please gaz0609

I should have asked 'Discs or Drums' but its pretty much all the same when things go wrong.
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My Name: gaz0609

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Thanks for the replys everyone. It seems like the best thing to do is to get it looked at and go from there.
Another issue i have is my headlight has water in. ive had a look at this and found that the backing plate/seal at the back of the headlight is missing. Now can i get one of these or do they come as part of the whole headlight unit?

many thanks
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My Name: Arfur Dent

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Posts: 3520
Joined: Sat Jul 23, 2011 3:47 pm
Model: C3 2002-2005, Original shape model
Year: 2002 (52)
Engine Size: 1.4 (16v)
Fuel Type: Diesel
Mileage: 100000
Trim Level: Exclusive
Gearbox: Manual 5 speed
DPF: No
LHD or RHD: RHD (UK)
Engine name: DV4 16-valve diesel (90 PS)
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gaz0609 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 02, 2013 7:12 am issue i have is my headlight has water in. ive had a look at this and found that the backing plate/seal at the back of the headlight is missing. Now can i get one of these or do they come as part of the whole headlight unit?
The come as the complete unit, unless you are lucky enough to find one on ebay ;)
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