94 Explorer Front brake problem

[Dennis94XLT]

A few weeks ago, I notice the steering suddenly pulling hard to the left and there was a shuddering noise in the front end. I looked at the front brakes through the wheel slots and I noticed the driver side rotor had black streaks all over it - like it had been contaminated with something. That wheel was also extremely hot compared to the other side. I took it apart and still had plenty of brake lining, so I cleaned up the rotor with brake cleaner and put it back together. It was fine until yesterday - after a lot of stop and go driving in heavy traffic, it did the same thing again. I got new brake pads and took it apart today. I found the left side had those black steaks on the outside of the rotor again and the brake pads where worn down more on that side than on the passenger side - by about 25%. The pad lining had a lot of cracks in it as well and the paint they put on them to make them look nice when new had burned off. It appeared that the wheel got very hot again. I closely inspected the seals to make sure no grease was leaking and it's not. The front and back of the rotor has no evidence of grease coming from the bearing areas. The caliper has no signs of leaking, but... it was either damaged from the heat or it is sticking - making that brake rub. I found the caliper piston (the part of it that I could see without removing it) had a piece broken off the edge and it looked like it had a crack in it. I stepped down hard on the brakes several times to try to force a leak, but it doesn't appear to be leaking. Instead, I think the brake pads rubbed on that side and caused everything to get way too hot. Anyway, I think I should replace that caliper, but I don't know if just changing it and bleeding air out is all I have to do. I know that's the normal way to change them, but with Explorers - it seems like there is always some special way things have to be done. SO - does anyone know what the steps are to replace the front caliper? It DOES have Anti-lock brakes. Also, I'd like to know if I should put brake lub on any parts aside from the slides that hold the caliper in place. Someone told me once to lightly grease the caliper piston. I've never done that, but I'm open to suggestions. Right now I have new pads and everything is cleaned up, but I need to replace that caliper - I don't feel safe with it the way it is - and I think it has been keeping the brake engaged on that side.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Dennis

 

[sknight88]

My 2 cents..

As the owner of another 94 Explorer, heres my thoughts, do both front calipers, there cheap, this way you are working with the same parts, otherwise you stand to have the new one work better than the other old one and pull to the other side. Ive gone thru some brakes on mine to, somtimes overheating them and cracking the pads. Im no big fan of those pins either that hold the caliper on, mine always seem to be one step from falling out.Lastly, and Im guilty of this to, spend some money on the pads for good ones. Good luck!

 

[DeRocha]

The caliper is either hanging up, or the rotor is warped. In either case the result is the pads dragging on the rotor causing it to overheat. You will most likely need new rotors since they are probably warped. ABS doesn't come into play when changing the calipers. You just need to remove the brake hose and install it on the new caliper and bleed the system after both sides have been done. Only work on 1 side @ a time and don't let the master cyclinder run dry. Do NOT Grease the Caliper piston grease is not compatible with brake fluid and grease on the caliper seal can swell the rubber causing it to fail. Just use Brake grease (won't swell rubber) on the slides. Do not Over torque the lug nuts (100ft/lbs) as it can cause the rotors to warp.