Rear caliper seized - upgrade to 2k Caddy rears?

[MatthewRuddy]

Have a seized rear passenger side caliper on my GTi. Fun stuff 

I have the choice between standard 38mm and Caddy 41mm rears for the same price. Both TRW. Any negatives to the upgrade with standard fronts? Brake bias wise?

The car is a daily, likely never to see a BBK upgrade, but do enjoy a good spirited drive

[pudding]

I assume the Caddy gets bigger rear brakes because of the potential cargo load, and similarly, 4WDs get bigger rear brakes because of the heavier rear axle weight.

I've never felt the GTI needs bigger rears personally, but I'd go with the 38s over the 41 personally.  The rear brakes contribute a lot to the pedal feel, so more fluid being pushed to the back will inevitably soften the pedal.
 

[MatthewRuddy]

I assume the Caddy gets bigger rear brakes because of the potential cargo load, and similarly, 4WDs get bigger rear brakes because of the heavier rear axle weight.

I've never felt the GTI needs bigger rears personally, but I'd go with the 38s over the 41 personally.  The rear brakes contribute a lot to the pedal feel, so more fluid being pushed to the back will inevitably soften the pedal.
 

Thanks mate, that does make sense. Is the pedal feel discernibly different? For example, would one notice if they weren't aware? My car has the better master cylinder, mid-2008 car.

Found another supplier that can do the 41mm calipers €30 cheaper, making the decision harder 

[Lewo]

There's a couple on here that have fitted the caddy brakes, I'll have a look to see if I booked marked the thread...

[pudding]

I assume the Caddy gets bigger rear brakes because of the potential cargo load, and similarly, 4WDs get bigger rear brakes because of the heavier rear axle weight.

I've never felt the GTI needs bigger rears personally, but I'd go with the 38s over the 41 personally.  The rear brakes contribute a lot to the pedal feel, so more fluid being pushed to the back will inevitably soften the pedal.
 

Thanks mate, that does make sense. Is the pedal feel discernibly different? For example, would one notice if they weren't aware? My car has the better master cylinder, mid-2008 car.

Found another supplier that can do the 41mm calipers €30 cheaper, making the decision harder 

For context, I fitted MK7 Performance Pack/R front brakes and there is definitely a softening of the pedal from the bigger piston volume.  I definitely noticed the change from the standard brakes.

It's not a bad change per se since the MK7 brakes are considerably more powerful, so the pedal effort vs stopping power more than makes up for it.  You notice it most under gentle braking where the stock pedal feel is very short and responsive.

Since the rear calipers are a much smaller piston volume compared to the fronts, you may not notice so much of a difference but personally I would focus more on the front brakes.  The rears are just along for the ride and don't do half as much as the fronts!

[GreigC]

I have two used rear calipers for a GTI. They need refurbished. The passenger back left side had no issues when removed from the car.

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