My hubby has a 1997 dakota and last evening his front brakes locked up.
Any ideas on the cause and/or suggestions that I can pass on to him?
Thanks for any and all advice.

 

welcome to DF...

is the ABS light on? does it have ABS? the fronts can lock if there is not enough traction for the front tires... i've had my 4x4 with 4wh abs lockup on a slick surface and caused me to slide into the intersection I was braking for... if his front tires are needing to be replaced, get good ones. cheep ones arent worth it.

 

yes, it has ABS and the tires are almost brand new.
Thanks.

 

Could you be more specific about locked up, ie, did they momentarily lock up then released, stay locked up? Was it during very hard braking? Is the ABS light on? More details may help some members offer advice.

 

No, the ABS light isn't on.
He drives about 10 miles from work, happened almost to home, as far as I know they just locked up and stayed locked up.........as soon as he pulled in the drive, the wheels were smokin a tad........he had to spray them off with water hose.

Don't think there was any hard braking when it happened, like it was gradual.
i will ask when he gets home and post again.
Thanks!

 

Did you just have the brakes worked on? Both my front brakes locked up after I replaced the rotors and pads and I think it's because I spread them with a C clamp instead of using a spreader and I might have damaged the pistons.

Sounds like it's time to replace the calipers at any rate, if they're locking up.

 

I think he repalced the brake pads 3-4 months ago, if I remember right.

He did say something about the calipers, does anyone know how much those might cost?
Also can someone point me to an online link for this repair and/or instruction?
Thanks!

 

If I am right these Dak's are about the same as the Durango I know that I have a spring on my brake pads that hold them in the proper position and apparently they are garbage and fall out of the position that they are supposed to be in which causes the brakes to rattle around and I imagine possibly make the tires lock up. I would pull the tires off and see if there is any play in the brakes there shouldn't be any play at all. Oh and btw the spring will just stay there the wheel holds onto it. Once the tire is pulled off it could fall to the ground. If that is the problem you should pick up a new spring from Dodge or bend it a little bit to give it back its torsion for a little while.

 

Thanks, Mean Green,
He is off to the Tractor Pull, but will pass your info on to him...........he says it happened gradual, no sudden braking etc.
Still, I would like anyone who knows of a link to read up on replacing the calipers, would be great!

thanks!

 

I'm sorry, but I have to put my 2 cents worth in on this one. Front brakes locking with no apparent reason is not a good thing. Also, cold water on smoking pads and rotors leads to cracked pads and warped rotors. For your family's safety and the safety of others, I suggest having a professional (brake shop or dealership) give your brakes a thorough going thru, especially with ABS involved.