Ex failed MOT :( help needed on brake caliper

[fcat]

Just had MOT and the front drivers wheel is VERY tight and the tester was unable to revolve the wheel by hand. I put new brake discs and pads on about 8 months ago and just wondered if anyone can give me a bit of info about the calipers.
Is it a common problem for them to stick to stick ?
Any certain place they stick ?


Gonna try have a look this weekend, any ideas where i can get a new caliper if needed ? (Duncan can you help ? would need within 10 days to get a free re-test though) seen them on ebay USA for $20 brand new!! but wont get here in time

cheers
si

 

[Howard]

The caliper slides on two pins, check that it has not seized there. Unusual for it to seize itself, but not impossible.

 

[Blee1099]

you may need to rebuild the caliper.. New seals & stuff should work.. If not try rockauto.com I think they offer shipping to UK and they probably have expedited shipping available for a higher cost.

 

[Howard]

Talking of Rockauto. The last things I got from them turned up really quickly. Ordered on-line late Tuesday and turned up on Thursday midday. I was stunned.

 

[SB98UKexplorer]

iv used them for oil filters, bushings and sway bar rod kit, all arrived in good time

 

[fcat]

Thanks for the tip on rockauto, just had a look on their site and there apears to be many different calipers and kits, anyone any idea which is correct for a 1998 facelift ? would need caliper and internals i guess

Also if i got the rebuild kit do i have a problem bleeding the brakes because of the ABS ? or should it be ok if i just disconect the hose and reconect it and then bleed the one caliper ?

cheers again
si

 

[Carguy3J]

Thanks for the tip on rockauto, just had a look on their site and there apears to be many different calipers and kits, anyone any idea which is correct for a 1998 facelift ? would need caliper and internals i guess

Also if i got the rebuild kit do i have a problem bleeding the brakes because of the ABS ? or should it be ok if i just disconect the hose and reconect it and then bleed the one caliper ?

cheers again
si

If you're gonna use Rock, don't forget the discount code they give us. Just look in the vendors forum for their thread, or search. If I recall correctly, it's a 5% discount on merchandise, but not shipping.

I would definitely try thorughly cleaning and relubing the caliper slide pins first. I had a brand new (not even rebuilt) caliper bind up bad after a few days, because I forgot the proper lube (and wasted a brand new set of ceramic pads!). Use only synthetic brake/caliper grease, and be sure to get plenty inside the pin boot and coat the whole pin surface. Also, these thing are known for the bolts on both the caliper and mount brackets to want to back out once they've been off. Make sure that everytihng is nice and tight, and evenly torqued. Of course, if your caliper is dragging that much, you've prob. already cooked the pads and will need to replace them as well.

As for the calipers, it usually isn't worth the trouble of rebuilding them. I would just get rebuilt or new. You can complete calipers, w/ the mount bracket and everything already attached. Just bolt up the brake line and bleed.

A little tip for bleeding: I like to fill the new caliper with fluid before I even remove the line from the old one. Also, be sure to open the bleeder on the new one a little, to get all the air out, then close it up. Then have it ready to go, so as soon as you remove the line from the old one, you can bolt it right up to the new. Between the "pre-fill/bleed" and the quick change, it seems to keep most, if not all, the air out.

 

[Terry876]

Hi Si,
will second whats been said about quick delivery don't forget the discount code
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=250599

 

[BIGHVM]

Sorry for the trouble your having- suspect Howard may be right.....either way change the caliper if its that thats faulty- in the old days I had rebuild a few on my escort when I was a broke student, now I am a broke adult with less patience......I would replace rather than repair! I hope you get her sorted mate!

 

[DuncanOfEngland]

Binding brakes

Si,
Sometimes, just fitting new pads and pressing the piston back into the bore is enough to free up stiff brakes. I use a huge pair of slip-joint pliers for the job! I do have a caliper if you need one.
Duncan

 

[Terry876]

Sorry for the trouble your having- suspect Howard may be right.....either way change the caliper if its that thats faulty- in the old days I had rebuild a few on my escort when I was a broke student, now I am a broke adult with less patience......I would replace rather than repair! I hope you get her sorted mate!

Those were the days the old Escort you could sit in the engine bay to work on the engine all you need was a set of spanners and a big hammer, was the haynes manual 10 or 15 pages? No complicated electric's my first car Mk1 1100 in green with yellow bonnet and boot.

 

[fcat]

Stripped the caliper down yesterday, copperslipped all moving parts etc and moved the pistons in and out with a pair of pliers, re built it and took it for a re test, passed ok!.

Pads were more worn than i expected but nothing was reall seized or sticking, wierd. Anyway all done and thanks for the advice above.

Just need to reset the auto ride hide thing now as they jacked it up withuot turning it off

Thanks again
Si

 

[Howard]

Well done at least you are back on the road.