I had a very similar experience with a Jetta.  Smoking, horrible screeching,
etc.  Turned out to a pebble, absolutely perfectly sized to lodge between
the rotor and the pad.  It contacted the rotor and screeched, and jammed the
pad so that it wouldn't retract.  Who'da ever thunk it?

Gary

----- Original Message -----
From: "Les Shiaman" <lamusicamellama@JUNO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2002 1:28 AM
Subject: Brake woes

> Listees -
>
> Well here's another story to add to my struggles with vanagon ownership.
> As I was getting on the freeway onramp this evening I heard a brief
> high-pitched squeal from the front right wheel area.  I didn't hear it at
> freeway speed, but about 8 miles up the road I smelled burnt brakes so I
> pulled into a gas station and saw smoke coming from the front right wheel
> well.  I parked for a while, then turned around to head home.  I tried
> using brakes as little as possible and I noticed as I took my offramp
> home that I could hear a new sound from the front right wheel -- sounded
> kinda like metal on metal!  I will look at the area tomorrow, but this
> doesn't sound good.  Has anyone had this experience?  Why would one brake
> stick?
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Les
> ________________________________________________________________
> GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
> Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!
> Join Juno today!  For your FREE software, visit:
> http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/.