G-60 Caliper pins

[Bernie Benz]

> From: Kneale Brownson <knotnook at traverse.com>
> 
> The right front brake has been binding up the last couple of days.  I got
> the caliper off and the top pin has a definite looseness.  I can wobble it
> back and forth inside the bracket even when the boot is fully compressed.
> Is this the likely source of the binding?  The bottom pin is snug in its
> hole.  Both were lubed within the last eight or nine months.  I bleed the
> brakes every time I switch from summer to winter tires or back, so I don't
> think the fluid was bad (except now, of course, after the overheating from
> the binding).  I'm going to replace the bracket and pins, but I just
> wondered if the looseness could cause the pin to not slide properly and
> release the pads.
Kneale,  G60s or UFOs?
With either, the guide pins should be "snug", not "sloppy loose" within
their bushings in the pad carrier.  Don't judge the pins by their
appearance, inasmuch as they have 3 flats on them over their full length to
allow for the escape from the blind hole of air and excessive lub upon
assembly. Excessive pin/bushing wear could occur only if the protective boot
were compromised over a long period of time, not just in one season, IMO.
Apparently at one time, Audi had a "pad carrier cap repair kit, 443 698 470"
for G60s which I assume is for the pin bushing within the pad carrier?  No
BTDT.

Bernie