Hi Peter,

Yes the caliper is the Bendix sliding type. The brake pads are the same as I had before the wheel bearing and driveshaft were changed so this can't be the problem.

The piston can be pushed back easily enough with the pads out, but doesn't retract sufficiently when the pads are in and the system is being operated by the pedal.

The funny thing is there wasn't a problem before, so I'm really confused as to what has brought this on. The old wheel bearing was absolutely knackered, so perhaps the dimensions have been altered?

Mr Danno's theory sounds like a goer, or the caliper bearer assembly has been bent/disturbed leading to the pads being applied at a slight angle and ''locking'' (does it do the same in reverse?), or the caliper itself isn't quite right.

Making accurate measurements and comparing between the two sides sounds like a very good plan.

Another check could be to remove the new (used?) driveshaft and see if the brake still sticks...presumably you don't have to drive the car to test this.

When you say the caliper is sliding OK, have you actually removed the caliper and cleaned all sliding surfaces up with wire brush/emery/wire wool and lubed, and checked again....and is the pad a loose enough fit to slide in its track to relieve brake pressure?

Edited by gordonbennet on 12/01/2015 at 12:59