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Sticking front brakes

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Old 11-04-2004, 12:24 AM
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Default Sticking front brakes

I noticed the other day that my front drivers side caliper was sticking.
Bad caliper I thought. I then purchased new calipers rotors and pads
and .... it still sticks. Not bad, just for about 5 seconds or so.
I noticed in the FMS that a series of valves operate the ABS.
Could one of these valves be sticking ? If so is this valve assembly rebuildable?
Any other ideas ?


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Old 11-04-2004, 09:15 AM
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Default Re: Sticking front brakes

Originally Posted by jlathem
I noticed the other day that my front drivers side caliper was sticking.
Bad caliper I thought. I then purchased new calipers rotors and pads
and .... it still sticks. Not bad, just for about 5 seconds or so.
I noticed in the FMS that a series of valves operate the ABS.
Could one of these valves be sticking ? If so is this valve assembly rebuildable?
Any other ideas ?


JLathem
So you replaced BOTH calipers and the same left front caliper hangs up? I can't help you with the ABS part but I thought that it would through a code and the ABS light would stay on if there was a problem in the ABS system. Did you lubricate the slide bolts with some silicon grease before you inserted them into the calipers?
Old 11-04-2004, 09:20 AM
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So you replaced BOTH calipers and the same left front caliper hangs up? I can't help you with the ABS part but I thought that it would through a code and the ABS light would stay on if there was a problem in the ABS system. Did you lubricate the slide bolts with some silicon grease before you inserted them into the calipers?
Yes I replaced both sides. The slide bolts were lubricated with silicon grease.
Thats why I think its in that valve assembly. I think. I'm going to tear into it today
and see what happens.


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Old 11-04-2004, 10:46 AM
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Default Re: Sticking front brakes

Originally Posted by jr's3800
Ol' Timer, do you think there would be a possibility of the brake line being collapsed causing the caliper to stick? I have seen this happen on many oldrer cars and trucks... Just a thought... Any ideas?
I personally have not come upon a collapsed brake line. But after 10 years it is a possiblilty. If the brake lines have never been replaced, then this would be thee time to replace them. I have seen lots of dry rot with old brake lines. Of course this would necessitate bleeding the system. But this could be a good thing. Maybe it would purge not only the air in the system, but any other contaminants that still might be in the system. Don't forget to start with the Right Rear Brake Cylinder(I know this is not part of the problem, I'm just trying to cover all the bases).
Old 11-04-2004, 12:14 PM
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DO NOT TAKE THE PMV APART. It'* not user servicable. That and when you actualy get to the solenoids all the wiring falls apart and you're screwed. If it'* onlly one wheel I doubt the PMV is doing it.
Old 11-04-2004, 01:53 PM
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Good guess from jr's3800 on the hydraulic hose.

I have had this problem before where the flexible rubber hose to the caliper looks OK on the outside, but internally the rubber delaminates and acts like a check valve. When you apply the brakes the little flap of rubber prevents the fluid from completely returning from the caliper and the piston will not retract in the bore. So the pads stick or drag.

The hoses were 10 years old in my case.

Don't mess with the ABS $$$$$$$$$$$$ !
Old 11-05-2004, 10:22 AM
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Sounds like several of you guys have had the experience of working on the PMV.
The lines are original. I like the delaminated lining theory. I may try that.
The lines look great ( on the outside ). I bled about a quart of fluid through them yesterday
and it didn't help.
Thanks for all the help guy'*.

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Old 11-08-2004, 09:05 AM
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Well, it'* not the hoses. Does anyone else have any ideas ? Also .. one more thing I noted yesterday during a panic stop. The car pulls first to the right a little then to the left when I REALLY get on the brakes hard. Is it the PMV ? I can't think of much else.
So far I have replaced Rotors, Pads, Calipers, lines. I have ran 2 quarts of fluid through the system. The only logical next step is the PMV right ? I bet that thing is gold plated ... $$$

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Old 11-08-2004, 03:05 PM
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Have you managed to cause you Antilock to kick in....? Also how hard do you have to hit the brakes to get the antilock to function...
Yeah I was in the parking deck at my work on a wet painted surface. I nailed the brakes kicking in the ABS 4 times. It seems the left front locks up a fraction of a second soonerthan the right before the ABS kicks in. Another words the tire chirp before the ABS takes over is a fraction of a second longer on the pulling side.

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Old 11-08-2004, 03:33 PM
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I'm wondering about the master cylinder.... But I won't tell you to replace it yet... Look at the rear of the Master cylinder where it meets the Brake Booster, and see if you are leaking any fluid...
Hey man ... wonder about anything you want. If I knew what it was it would already be fixed. Obviously I needed a new set of eyes on it. I'm going to take a break ( at work ) and I may go pop the hood just to check.

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