Can I test my brake calipers?

MoyockPowerstroke · #1 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 10:50 PM

I have been having a brake gremlin show up every so often between my drivers side front and rear calipers. I haven't seen anything on the front since changing the brake hoses....probably need to do that on the back now. I have flushed the system...turned all four rotors, put on all new pads, re-lubed the glide pins, painted the e-brakes springs and tensioner in rear with nickel anti-seize compound...not sure what else to try.

My rear drivers side is driving me crazy. I am to the point of replacement @ only (82K miles?)...Is there a way to check the calipers to see if they're okay...or should I just go ahead and replace? I know, the rotors could be warped, so replacing them too would be in order. I've checked the temps on the rotor that is hanging up and its around 650'F...probably not good. Let me know if you think I should replace them, and if so, any suggestions on where to get the replacements from.

Thanks.

Chris1450 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoyockPowerstroke

I have been having a brake gremlin show up every so often between my drivers side front and rear calipers. I haven't seen anything on the front since changing the brake hoses....probably need to do that on the back now. I have flushed the system...turned all four rotors, put on all new pads, re-lubed the glide pins, painted the e-brakes springs and tensioner in rear with nickel anti-seize compound...not sure what else to try.

My rear drivers side is driving me crazy. I am to the point of replacement @ only (82K miles?)...Is there a way to check the calipers to see if they're okay...or should I just go ahead and replace? I know, the rotors could be warped, so replacing them too would be in order. I've checked the temps on the rotor that is hanging up and its around 650'F...probably not good. Let me know if you think I should replace them, and if so, any suggestions on where to get the replacements from.

Thanks.

I had a problem with the rear passanger side sticking. The brake pads where wearing uneven indicating a stuck piston. I bought 2 rear rebuilt calipers for $41 each and ceramic pads for $44. Very cheap to fix the problem. It is hard to determine that a piston was sticking.. other than the uneven wear. I would bet your having the same problem. BTW.. my truck has 90,000 miles

slowmans · #3 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 05:51 AM

I noticed I am having a similar issue, when driving on the highway this weekend the truck felt like it was dragging a little, so I opened the back window and sure enough I could smell em burning up, so I pulled over and shut the truck down and sure enough the rear pass, side was smoking a bit , I started on my way again and couldn't feel it anymore....its been fine since. I do need to check em out though.

gearloose1 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 09:46 AM

Factory rebuilts from a reputable place that actually checks everything for spec and use good quality parts is the way to go.

Toreador_Diesel · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 11:10 AM

I think mine are doing the same thing, on my way to work this morning, the force and power the engine was putting out didn't match the forward motion of the truck...know what I mean?

I could also hear the brakes squealing ever so slightly at low speeds, so brake job this weekend....