2005 Golf - Strange Noises?

whodafunk

I have a 2005 Golf, 1.6 petrol. When the car gets to around 60kmh there is a slight screeching sound from the left hand side of the car. Brake pads were changed in January of this year and I think the problem has originated from then as there were other noises coming from the car after the pads were changed. I also find the braking in the car is very poor considering new pads were fitted earlier in the year. Mileage on the car is 116,000km and the car service history is fully up to date.

Things I have noticed:
After driving for short periods I have noticed a slight burning smell. The ESP light on the dash lights up occasionally.

Anyone any suggestions on the above?

Cheers

biko

Drive like stolen for 5 mins, then park and touch the alloys. Is one warmer than the others? Does a particular wheel smell?
You may have a stuck pad/seized caliper.
With car in neutral on flat surface can you easily push it forward? A stuck pad will make it harder to push than usual.

Are you handy around cars? If so once you know what wheel it is, take it off and put copper paste on the pad where it touches the caliper.
Check the caliper sliding pins/regrease.

whodafunk

Thanks Biko for the reply and suggestions

I guess it's nothing major then?

Would it have any impact on an upcoming NCT in a few weeks do you think?

YbFocus

Your brake test will surely be out if there sticking, causing a balance problem and this failing the car.
But regardless I wouldn't leave them the way they are, get them checked or check them yourself.
Nobody here can be definitely sure of what's wrong.

biko

Indeed, if you can't do it yourself this weekend, ask a handy mate or a mechanic.
It could be something small like a stuck pad but then again it could be something worse.