[:@] Was drivin along and heard some weird noise when I hit the brakes. The last time I used them the front driver side tire wouldn't move forward and the ABS light came on (restarted the car and the light went out). I was able to move the car in reverse but when I went forward again, I'd get so far before it would lock up again. Of course I had it towed home. We had thought that the joint was going bad and I knew I needed to do a front brake job. Is it possible that one of the brake pads got knocked out and became lodged? I've had my Avenger for almost a year but....it sat for atleast 6 months before I got her and the previous owner really didn't take care of the car.

 

It sounds more like the caliper is locked up ...(not retracting)

 

[:@]Is there anyway to "unlock" the caliper with out breaking it? And how can I prevent it from happening again?

 

your top caliper bolt eather backed out or snapped, just replace the top bolt, and you will be good. 5 min fix, not evn just take of the rims and you will be able to notice.

 

[:@]Thanks guys I really appreciate all your help.....I had to replace the rear hub on the back driver side tire.....would that have any bearing on the caliper bolt backing out or snapping on the front??

 

If the caliper is locked up it's time to either buy a remanufactured one or rebuild the existing ,,,Since it's locked the pistons probably rusty (from sitting 6 months) with water in the brake fluid...

 

[:@]How would I know for sure that the caliper is locked up? AHHH!!! I hope that soon I reach the point where I don't have to replace anything anymore....usually blondes and working on cars don't mix to well.

 

what I do is remove the caliper then use a C-clamp to depress it in 1/2" or so loosen the clamp then press the brakes it should move out then back upslightly when the brakes are released ...
Another sign is the C-clamp might be very hard to compress it as it's locked up...
Also examine the caliper bolts they might just need relubed ...
If all else fails take it to a brake shop that gives free estimates let them diagnose it ,then go buy the parts and do it yourself

Nothing done to the rears should affect the front ...

 

Thanks for all your help guys....so far it turns out that I threw a brake pad. The *** that had the car before me screwed up on the brake job. The outer pad followed the contour of the roder but the inner pad didn't. I'm sure that they did that on the passenger side too. Because of heat generated new bolts had to be bought for the caliper and the support. Also had to buy lug nut studs....still waiting for them to show up from Dodge.