Something that had never come up before but thought I'd pass it along for reference, for our trucks. I have a 1998 Silverado w/front disc brakes and rear drums. Power brakes and has the ABS system. I was experiencing caliper lockup, which I attributed to the caliper being old. It was so bad that after a couple of braking events, the caliper would clamp down on the rotor, and you could fry an egg (or steak) on the wheel, almost.

After replacing the caliper, pads and hardware, I test drove the truck and all was well for a couple of days. Day 3, and some less than severe symptoms came back. Caliper wasn't locked to the rotor, but definitely was not fully releasing. I had read somewhere back as a teenager (1970's!!) that brake hoses can look just fine on the outside, in southern/dry climates where there's not the outside element challenge, but can deteriorate from the inside. Even to the point of forming 'check valves' internally.

So this weekend, I replaced the front brake hose on the left side, where the caliper was dragging, and that completely remedied the problem.

Just an FYI - this problem had me stumped for a while.

 

Yeah, it's not a common problem but it does happen. The hose collapses internally and allows the fluid to flow one direction but not the other so the brakes apply but won't release.
The hose will look fine on the outside but is bad inside.

 

Yep, seen it on old old hoses, seen it on not so old almost like new ones too, though it is rare.

There is a simple test with vehicle on lift or jacked up.

Try rotating tire/wheel at suspect stuck caliper ..... then release bleeder valve and see if it frees up.
If it does free up, the hose is likely the culprit ...
... (and likewise, if it stays stuck, likely a caliper piston stuck)



.

 

I actually see quite a few bad hoses that fail that way . I have even replaced some on my own vehicles for this reason . My 75 CB 550 needs new hoses for the same problem , I just have not repaired it yet .

 

Nice replies. For my old Ford trucks, I've always just replaced the hoses first thing when I got the trucks, seeing that they were at or close to 40 years old. But a 1998 I didn't suspect. I like the trick about the bleeder valve....damn, I replaced the calipers and pads before even suspecting the hoses. There are GM forums that swear this is not that uncommon at all. But first time i've ever seen it, personally.

 

I've had the same problem on a brand other (Neon) DD. New hoses fixed it.

 

There's always a first time .....

 

You always remember your first

 

any suggestions on replacing those hoses with braided stainless steel lines? I have found them for 4wd and trucks that have been lifted but none for a stock height 2wd pick-up.

 

Braided SS hoses can give a slightly firmer pedal and "feel". I run them on my hot rod but not my Dent. Not worth it on a PU IMO.