Try taking a short trip and see if the wheel is too hot to touch. (Or use a hand-held infrared temp gauge if you are worried about burning your hand) If the wheel is getting too hot to touch, you probably have a dragging brake.  I had this happen and was able to repair it for a while by rigorously cleaning the caliper and making sure to use caliper grease on the moving parts (except the brake pad faces) when assembling them. Ultimately I just replaced the calipers. Don't forget to check the caliper piston for corrosion or scoring as well. I have also seen this happen when corrosion or precipitate gets in the brake fluid. Air in the brake lines can also cause this as well. 

Maybe it is just me, but my Westy has been more prone to sticking calipers than any other vehicle I have owned, it seems to be more sensitive to buildup of dirt and dust. So I always take my time when doing the brakes and make sure everything is very clean and lubricated in the areas that should be. Have not had a problem since doing that and changing my brake fluid every two years. 

  

Todd 

'88 Westy 

----- Original Message -----

From: "Mike Miller" <mwmiller6@ATT.NET> 
To: "List, Vanagon" <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> 
Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2014 2:01:44 PM 
Subject: Brake dust indicator 

My right rear wheel shows 10 times the brake dust of my left rear wheel [gowesty wheels, Audi 500 turbo rears disk conversion]. Could this be a sign of a hanging caliper? 

Mike in Cotati, no matter what BenT says.