Brake job goes wrong

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 22, 2011 | 04:18 PM

kjhansen

Thread Starter

4wd Low

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 11

Likes: 1

Brake job goes wrong

Vehicle: 1995 F-150 4.9. Problem. First the brakes would shudder and shimmy after warming up--in my experience a sign of warped rotors or bad pads (not worn out, but cracked or fragmented, etc.). Anyway, I had the rotors turned and got new pads. When I was reassembling the left side I noticed that the piston in the caliper didn't want to go back in. The right side pushed smoothly into the caliper (I use a big clamp), no problem. The left one had to be forced by adding leverage to the crank of the clamp. Put it all back together and now it pulls HARD to the right, like the piston is not pushing out on the left side, or there's a brake fluid leak on the left side--but I don't see any brake fluid dripping or running out--, or there's air in the line. I've never had air get in the line when just changing brake pads. In any case, I'll probably disassemble it tomorrow morning and check it out. Too hot to work on it any more today (about 105). Any thoughts? Can a reluctant piston be lubricated somehow?
Keith

Jul 22, 2011 | 04:46 PM

Nealcrenshaw

Tuned

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 406

Likes: 1

From: Cleveland,OH

I see where you went wrong, if the left piston didnt go in as smoothly as the right one did the caliper is done,its frozen by you pushing it in even tigher made it worse.
replace the left caliper and all will be good. Make sure you bleed them properly, look for an even stream.

Jul 22, 2011 | 05:22 PM

White 97 xlt

Postmaster

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 4,728

Likes: 8

From: Cleveland, TN

I agree that the left caliper needs replaced. But I wonder if one is shot, just how long will the other one last? If it were me (for my own peace of mind) I would replace both calipers. Brakes and steering can kill you and others, so don't cheap out with them..

Jul 22, 2011 | 06:07 PM

blkF250HD

Posting Guru

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 1,119

Likes: 1

From: Hartland, WI

In addition to the caliper(s), replace the hoses. They break down over time and can collapse internally, causing the piston to get stuck out or by restricting fluid to them.

Jul 22, 2011 | 06:25 PM

White 97 xlt

Postmaster

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 4,728

Likes: 8

From: Cleveland, TN

Darn good point!!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by blkF250HD

In addition to the caliper(s), replace the hoses. They break down over time and can collapse internally, causing the piston to get stuck out or by restricting fluid to them.

Jul 22, 2011 | 06:57 PM

Volvo92906

Posting Guru

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 1,069

Likes: 1

From: Toledo, Ohio

I agree with ''blk'', and I agree with ''White''. So I guess I can say its as clear as black and white. Ha. Ok...

But yes.. Replace both calipers and both hoses. As old as everything is.. No use in fixing something and having to fix something else in common shortly thereafter. You will be back on the road in no time.

Jul 22, 2011 | 07:06 PM

Blue Rebel

Posting Guru

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 2,244

Likes: 2

From: Cottage Grove, WI

Ran into this exact problem twice in the last 3 months. both times it was because a hose had degraded internally and plugged up. Replace the hose before the calipers, may be able to save some money