I stopped my van yesterday and the brakes worked fine. When I got back in and started to drive away, the drivers side brake only partially released. It made a horrible craping noise. I was able to release the brake by stopping quickly and jamming down the brake pedal. I've driven it about 100 miles since, and it hasn't happened again.

Any ideas on what it may have been?

 

sorry...scraping noise..not "craping" noise...

 

The caliper could be on it's way out and is sticking on you, or I've seen this happen when the rubber brake hoses get too old...take your pick.

 

agree with alloro.

Also my experiance as the pads wear more piston is extended and caliper more likely to stick...

 

Rebuilt Carbone caliper $20, new brake hose $20, easy fix. Don't skip the hose - important.