Hey all quick question, I did a complete brake job yesterday. Turned rotors, new pads and bleed the brakes. Now my driver side will not turn at all. I can step on it and its locked. The passender side is fine. Now if I open the bleeder and bleed the brake again it will be fine until I close the bleeder and pump them up and it locks again. When I pushed the piston back for the new pads it seemed to move freely. Did I do something wrong or have I found a bad caliper????

Thanks
Brian Felts

 

Bad caliper or hose.

 

Morley said it, there are failure modes for hoses that can cause this. If the rubber hose has collapsed internally, it will create a one-way valve where pressurized fluid can pass thru but not be fully released.

On the caliper side, a piston sticking in the bore will have the same effect.

If the hoses are old, it's a great time to replace them. Either a new OEM-type set, or an aftermarket braided-stainless Teflon set from Earl's or Russell will do the job.

 

I wouldn't reccommend Russell, they make their ends from brass and several people have had them crack and break off. Earl's make theirs from stainless steel and are much more durable. Also about the same price as Russell.

 

bad brake line or sticky caliper piston..


good news though... autozone can get you a new caliper for only $11.99.... calipers for these cars (non 1LE) are cheap.

and its probly past time for you to have new hoses anyway

 

There must be an echo in here.

 

Russell has actually changed their lines and now uses steel fittings rather than brass. Still, after my experience with them I won't ever use Russell again. Earl's or Goodridge are the top choices for brake lines.

 

yeap.


for some strange reason though, people feel more secure about a answer when several people come to the same conclusion.. *shrug*

 

Good news about the caliper price.........do they also stock the brake line or will they have to order both.


Thanks
Brian

 

the SS lines are a aftermarket item, so thats kinda hit and miss...

they should have regular rubber brake lines in stock though.

 

Most places will not have to order any of the parts, but some may. I just happened to get lucky, I suppose.

 

Well cross your fingers for me. I may need it.



Brian