caliper not releasing
04-08-2016, 01:32 PM
#11
Senior Member
Good morning all. Searched and read but still need input for a left front caliper that won't release. There is a new caliper, pads, rotor and flex hose(3rd set up in about 15 months). What happens is if I go short distances it is fine. When I travel in stop and go traffic the left front won't (or is very slow to) release causing a very hot caliper/rim etc. I have lubed everything up, then replaced all the hardware to no avail. Could it be a problem in the ABS module for just the 1 brake? (no ABS light or anything) . The other thought I had is a hub problem that is generating a lot of heat causing the fluid to expand in the caliper but there is no wobble or noise so I don't know how to check that. Anyway, I would appreciate any input or feedback. Thanks !!!
Another thing is.. do your pads have dog ears? If so there is a inboard and outboard pad. If you mix them up it doesnt allow the caliper to relese correctly and act like a stuck caliper
04-08-2016, 06:24 PM
#12
Senior Member
I have had 2 brake hose issues in 25-30 years of owning and repairing my own cars. One similar to this and one that took 18 months to figure out. The car braked fine normally and did not drag the brakes as you'd expect with a hose issue. However, at higher speed and harder stops the car would pitch to one side just for a split second when you stab the brake a high speed. I thought it was possible front struts allowing one corner to pitch down or a rear shock allowing one corner to lift more, checked everything, finally was changing pads and notice when backing in piston one side felt off, so replaced the flex hose and problem gone. The hoses are always on my mind whenever you get a weird brake issue, as they directly effect the fluid flow.
FYI, rust build up on the hose mounts on the outside of the holder/mount strap can also happen on the inside of it, which will start to pinch off the fluid flow thru the flex line. Both under breaking as well as when brakes are released, causing additional wear and heat build up.
PS. When replacing pads do not hesitate to use a file on the mount ears (tabs they slide on) to assure the pads side like a hot knife thru butter before adding brake grease. I have found that our trucks are very sensitive to the pad ears being slightly oversized and not wanting to slide very clean and easy, even after cleaning and removing all build up and debris from the brackets.
FYI, rust build up on the hose mounts on the outside of the holder/mount strap can also happen on the inside of it, which will start to pinch off the fluid flow thru the flex line. Both under breaking as well as when brakes are released, causing additional wear and heat build up.
PS. When replacing pads do not hesitate to use a file on the mount ears (tabs they slide on) to assure the pads side like a hot knife thru butter before adding brake grease. I have found that our trucks are very sensitive to the pad ears being slightly oversized and not wanting to slide very clean and easy, even after cleaning and removing all build up and debris from the brackets.
Last edited by tomb1269; 04-08-2016 at 06:28 PM.
04-09-2016, 07:46 AM
#13
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caliper not releasing
Thanks to everyone for the input. The calipers and hoses have come from 3 different places, 1 from Autozone, 1 from Advanced Auto and 1 from an independent supplier by home. The AZ and AA parts were because it happened on the way to or from work 40+ miles from home. I do always support the caliper when I remove it. I never thought to open up the brake line further up in the system. I did try at the coupling for the rubber to metal line 1 time. I will also take everything apart and probable change bearing as well. It is 4wd but that has been eliminated as any part of the problem. Again thanks all for the input.
08-30-2023, 01:03 PM
#15
2004 F150 5.4 Lariat
