Front brake lock up AGAIN!
 

1999 D had front R brake lock up in July. Replaced all parts including hoses.

D has 119000 miles and about 6K since last summers brake issues.

Went for a short trip about 7 miles total and noted it felt tight.
When I got home smell burning and wisp of smoke from R front wheel well.
The wheel was HOT compared to L side which was just warm.

What should I do this time. Seems ridiculous to replace everything all over again if the problem may continue to pop up. Do not want this to happen when out of state of with it full of family on a trip.

Why is this happening again.

Frustrated D owner.

is this a vehicle that you dont drive much? believe it or not but sitting long enough without use can cause rust to build up on the rail where the pads slide, making it so that they dont slide smoothly, this will make them hang up when you let off the brakes and drag (hence heating up that wheel)

if its not the caliber or the caliber pins....i would have to guess one of those valves by the brake booster, becuz its only happening to one tire. never seen those valves break though. i would first make sure that front caliber is moving freely and that the pins are well greased.

Little use. It's the 3rd vehicle. Last one used only if needed.
Usually once a week for a short trip if the 2 cars are out.

It's been out weekly at least once.

Thanks for the fast replies.

will pull it apart later today.

it sounds like its the caliper but you said you replaced all the brake parts... have you tried re-compressing the caliper that was having issues? might have gotten a bum caliper... i had to do that... replaced both front calipers cause they both took a dump...

Water / contaminated brake fluid will cause caliper pistons to set up as well. You may want to consider purging the brake fluid and replacing it. Just make sure that you don't allow any air bubbles to enter the system if you have ABS as it'll require dealer intervention to reset the codes.

Bob

Calipers not changed.
Did compress.

Took it apart and put back.
Re-greased everything.
Seems OK.
If it continues to happen will look at purging the brake fluid and/or replace calipers.
No problem driving around the block.
Just a PITA.

Could you tell what was stopping the caliper from releasing? It's either not sliding on the bolts or the piston is sticking. Unless your rotors were that rusted from sitting....

Rotors NOT rusty.
One bolt was tight in the boot.
Cleaned and greased.

Maybe should LOAD up on the grease.
It was moving freely when I put it back.

How do I check for a stuck piston?

It moved in when I compressed it with my C clamp.

+1 Bobman

Sounds like bad fluid.


Also sounds like the pad slides are grooved which causes the pad arms to stick in the groves, that could cause the issue (especially if they have cracks in the new pads in the center).