I did a search and didn't find much. Quick question...I have a sticking driver's side caliper. Would you guys recommend a replace or a rebuild? I know rebuild kits are very cheap, but the calipers aren't bad either.

Also, are any of you experienced with the self bleeder systems? What did you guys do that have done this procedure? I'll go today/tomorrow and either get new calipers or get the rebuild kit. Just not sure which one yet.

 

Are you sure it's the caliber ?
It could be bad hoses or sticking slides

 

Well this is where my ignorance comes in. Hoses look good and not rotted or hard. What are the slides? The drivers side is getting hot enough to smell like burning asbestos and it happened immediately after changing the pads. The were working just fine before the change $&@!?$!! Is thee a way to check hoses?

 

The slides are what the calliper rides on. They allow the calliper to move left to right. If they are seized you will burn through one side faster than the other. If you just had them apart and didn't notice anything then I doubt that is it. I pull them apart and lube them up with never seize when I do the brakes. I don't know how you would check the lines. It's probably just good practice to replace them being that they are pretty old.

 

Had the exact same thing happen to me on my right side periodically. Changed out both calipers and never had an issue since. Pretty easy to do. Good luck.

Vince

 

Thanks Nick. I didn't notice anything when I moved the pistons back to put the new pads in. they seemed to move freely with a little bit of resistance. I think that is normal considering you are pushing against the fluid in the line, correct? I could change the lines too I guess. I don't think its a big deal, but mine seem to be in pretty good shape. This truck has never seen a harsh winter or summer, but yeah, they are probably as old as the truck.

 

Have you bled the lines? Could have air or moisture in there causing issues

 

The hoses can look good on the outside but falling apart on the inside causing a restriction of flow.

Edit: I just changed out my calipers, they aren't to expensive. On my 96 I changed out the brake hoses but haven't on the dually.

 

Sorry a slight misinterpretation. The slides have nothing to do with the pistons. They allow the whole calliper to move to allow even pressure on both pads. Without the sliders you would only have pressure on the piston side. Now that I think about it though I believe thes systems have more of a pin instead.

 

And with the brake lines they can implode. The inner layer can get a hole and create a check valve so to speak. Not allowing the fluid to return to the reservoir.

 

As much of a diy guy I am I have alyays just done reman calipers.they usually blast clean and rebuild cheap enough that if one piston were bad the kits not a great deal.and if the pistons are phenolic...they are junk no matter what. For what its worth the bosses go bad just from age as much as anything. I replaced mine when I first got mine and went completely through the brakes.peace of mind for me..

 

had the same thing happen to me several times.....the reason was I kept trying to rebuild them, and it would last for a little while but then boom...started again. Ever since I replaced with new ones...haven't had this happen again in many years...hope this helps

 

I have not. I am going to replace the calipers and will do so then, but thanks for the help. If I couldn't afford the replacement, I'd try just this.

Thanks again Nick. I think I'll do calipers tomorrow and see where I am at. I gotta see if I can get the lines when I got to Napa.

Word A-Ron. I think you're right. Remans are going in tomorrow. Hey, remans rhymes with trans...LOL

This definitely helps! Makes my decision that much easier for me. Thanks!

 

Not very many people agree with me Byron but I gravity bleed my brakes. Let them sit awhile, tap with a hammer, open valve and let some out.......repeat several times.

 

I'm way too impatient for that. I use a mighty vac. Works pretty good.