Hi- Fortunately it’s been a while.

I have a 2001 DRV 3500 5.9L with what seems to be a front passenger side disc brake that very infrequently doesn’t retract enough when I take my foot off the brake peddle. This issue has only happened twice- about 4 years ago and yesterday.

Both times were during very hot weather. I’ll be driving along at maybe 40 mph or so and feel a rhythmic shudder start up like a tire starting to go flat or a bubble on a tire but the tires appear fine. This last time started a mile from home so I slowed it down and drove the rest of the way. Slowing down for red lights I could feel the van had some sort of brake or wheel drag. Once home there was a not good smell at the wheel mentioned and the rim was very hot to the touch- unlike the other three wheels.

Next morning just to test I rode around the block and everything was fine. In neutral the van would take forever from low speed to come to a full stop without brakes.

Of course something is wrong and I’m hoping someone might point me in the right direction to get started. I never use my emergency brake and the shudder I got seemed in sync with each revolution of the tires.

Thanks in advance.

 

Most likely would be a failing brake line. (soft line) They break down internally, and can become one-way valves..... If the lines are original, replace them BOTH. Rear line doesn't seem to be as susceptible to that kind of failure.... at least, it isn't nearly as common as on the fronts.

 

Second that.

 

UPDATE- So I replaced the front rubber brake lines. Everything was fine for weeks then same problem. The front brakes are sticking with especially the front passenger side with wheel getting very hot but it may be of significance that both front wheels get hot.

Any ideas on what (aside from the soft front brake lines) might cause the front disc brakes to intermittently not retract enough?

thanks

 

The only thing left is a sticking caliper. Both fronts should be replaced as a set.

 

When it starts sticking pull the wheel off and see if you can move the pad back. Try loosing the bleeder valve and see if it's in the line or the caliper.

 

thanks, 2 calipers coming up.

 

thanks, I’ve already replaced the rubber lines but realize it could be somewhere else in the line. I’m going to go ahead and do the calipers for now and will still be glad to have new ones even if they don’t turn out to be the present problem.

 

Flush the system REALLY well when you change the calipers.