VW Golf GTi Mark3 - Brakes seized - dodo

Went to move my sister's 97 Golf GTi Mk3 that she left her while travelling. Started first time but when i went to move it no go - a brake or brakes are stuck solid with no sign of releasing. Any advice on best course of action? Think its the back brakes. Thanks

VW Golf GTi Mark3 - Brakes seized - unthrottled

It's just the hand brake. Rock it forward-and back, and the shoes will free off. you might have to be quite violent with it!

VW Golf GTi Mark3 - Brakes seized - piston power

If steel wheels whack them with a hammer the shock will loosen the stuck brake if alloy remove the wheel and do the same to the drum.

Do this with handbrake off of course.

When it releases take it easy when driving apply light braking the front discs will be rusty and the inner drums the same.

VW Golf GTi Mark3 - Brakes seized - dodo

Thanks for this. Its on a nice set of BBS alloys so will remove same and hammer! Really locked solid though so must be bad.

VW Golf GTi Mark3 - Brakes seized - Cris_on_the_gas

Sure you know this but don't hit the drums directly with a hammer, they could crack. Use a piece of wood on the drum and give that a whack.

Good Luck

VW Golf GTi Mark3 - Brakes seized - dodo

Thanks for the advice - tomorrow morning's job!