Stuck Caliper.? DOH! (rear on a 93)

[VW_Factor]

Ive never experienced something like this before, especially on something that has rear only ABS. (I always start to forget its a 93 Pathy) Im going to check the other rear brake to see what it is doing.

 

Wife drove it to work, and noticed smoke, etc from the drivers rear. I go to check it out. Stuck brake. Take the wheel off, check it out.. Slides are working great, seems to be the piston. It will compress the pads, but wont let go. I could bang on the caliper a bit with my breaker, and it would let go however. No amount of pressing on the thing would set it free.

 

We limped it home using the ebrake, seeing as how AAA now charges for towing, unless you have their "plus package".. :mad:

 

Otherwise. Most calipers Ive seen that get frozen pistons, look like they've been through hell and high water.. Again this truck isnt abused and hasnt seen anymore than a dirt road in its life (thus far :evil) The caliper looks to be in great shape.

 

A new caliper is only 50 bucks or so, but no one in town has them in stock. Here I am debating, should I rebuild it? Should I take it apart, and try honing the cylinder out? Why would a perfectly good caliper, just suddenly start doing this?

 

Is is possible that the ABS thingy on the framerail isnt letting it go? (But then why will it let go if I bang on it?) Its kinda frustrating. Anyway. Im going to take apart the passenger side and see if it is doing the same thing. Maybe I can find the cause.

[vengeful]

It's probably just dirt that has worked its way in there over the years and jamming up the caliper.

 

I had that problem on my front end. I took the calipers apart, sprayed them out with some Brake Cleaner and compressed air, and they work great now. As long as it's not totally siezed, you can clean it out and rebuild it. But, be sure to get new seals and such for it.

[VW_Factor]

Well.. I lost my clamp, picked up a new one, and tried to compress it. There is no way that thing is going back in the caliper. :sniff: Kinda disappointing, because I cannot get the caliper back on the rotor now. Shes stuck where shes at for now, I wont even move it for parking purposes ATM.

 

Anyway, passenger side operates normally. Gonna have to either order one up, and be here Monday or Tuesday, or I could spend some time lookin at the pull-yer-own yards around in the area.

[vengeful]

Is it just one of the pistons, or both?

[VW_Factor]

Is it just one of the pistons, or both?

Just the one side.

 

Suppose I should replace them both however.. But Im wondering if I got one from a yard, how productive that would be. Always kinda taking chances at a place like that.

[vengeful]

Yes, if you replace one caliper, you should replace both. And at the same time, you should flush out all the old brake fluid.

 

And, if you're going through all that trouble, might as well put new pads on there unless they're relatively new.

[VW_Factor]

The evening this happened, we went to go buy two new calipers, pads, etc.. (Why not just do the whole thing right?)

 

Calipers we have to order. They are only 50 a pop, but with a core of 80 bucks. (ouch). We would have to pay cores before they'd order. A bit outta the price range ATM. I just put a new tranny, etc, into my car so...

 

We got pads, and the rotors are not perfect, however they are not torn up, nor excessively worn. Should have them turned anyway, just because the one is probably warped now.

 

Anyway, I got pads while we were there, and a bunch of cleaner.

 

I was thinking tho. If I got a couple calipers outta the pull-yer-own yard, they are used.. Should I replace them both in this case? I know my passenger side works and its used as well.

 

Thats kinda what Im debating ATM. If we go new stuff, I will indeed replace them both. I hate brakes that will pull, etc, because one is newer than the other.

[vengeful]

Yes, even if you go with used parts, do both, then you'll still have even braking....hopefully.

[GrimGreg]

Calipers we have to order. They are only 50 a pop, but with a core of 80 bucks. (ouch). We would have to pay cores before they'd order.

Since you can't move it anyway as is, take the cores in when you order and tell them where to stick the core charge

[94extreme]

^^^ yup. lol

 

are the calipers unhooked. you may have badly deteriorated line in there and it's holding the piston stuck. if j/y part i'd prob. just do the one side but try to get two new ones, plus hoses and pads. turning? maybe, depends.

[VW_Factor]

Actually the lines are in great shape. They are nice and firm (not hard, like crusty hard) yet still plyable and they do not distort when pressure is applied.

 

Im probably going to end up taking the calipers off the truck completely (putting it out of commission for even moving the thing) and ordering up the new parts, and as mentioned, tell them where they can stick their silly core charge.

 

[94extreme]

you really can't judge the hoses from outside but pliability helps. sounds like you'll get to see them anyway. good luck and keep us posted.