Another calliper locked up, should I go to metal pistons?
#1
12-26-2018, 05:15 PM
Another calliper locked up, should I go to metal pistons?
2001 F250 4x4 Crew Cab, Automatic, stock 7.3.
Hello, I just had my 7th caliper lock up. It's the drivers side front caliper that I just replaced last December. The truck has the phenolic (plastic) caliper pistons. Is that why they keep locking up? I don't use the truck very much, maybe a few times a month. About 3000 miles a year.
The slide pins were well greased when I pulled the caliper apart. I could get the pistons to move, just not easily.
It sucks, feels like a flat tire, then it starts smelling.
I know I don't drive it enough. My 1985 F250 6.9 has never frozen a caliper and I use that truck only to plow snow.
Has anyone switched over to metal caliper pistons and had better luck with them?
Thanks,
redbug
Hello, I just had my 7th caliper lock up. It's the drivers side front caliper that I just replaced last December. The truck has the phenolic (plastic) caliper pistons. Is that why they keep locking up? I don't use the truck very much, maybe a few times a month. About 3000 miles a year.
The slide pins were well greased when I pulled the caliper apart. I could get the pistons to move, just not easily.
It sucks, feels like a flat tire, then it starts smelling.
I know I don't drive it enough. My 1985 F250 6.9 has never frozen a caliper and I use that truck only to plow snow.
Has anyone switched over to metal caliper pistons and had better luck with them?
Thanks,
redbug
#2
12-26-2018, 05:34 PM
Lead Driver
The piston seized up from corrosion caused by moisture that gets in by one of 2 ways.
1. Condinsenation in the system builds up in the fluid ( remember that brake fluid is hydroscopic ) and causes corrosion and why it is recommended to completely flush your fluid every 2 years.
2. The companies that rebuild calipers accecpt and reuse cores that have corrosion pitting at the sealing surface that lets moisture in. You figure by now these caliper cores have likely been rebuilt a few times.
I don’t see how a steel piston is going to resist corrosion better then a plastic one. Since you didn’t mention who’s caliper you are using its hard to guess but I’d wager the ones you are using are not using the best seals available.
1. Condinsenation in the system builds up in the fluid ( remember that brake fluid is hydroscopic ) and causes corrosion and why it is recommended to completely flush your fluid every 2 years.
2. The companies that rebuild calipers accecpt and reuse cores that have corrosion pitting at the sealing surface that lets moisture in. You figure by now these caliper cores have likely been rebuilt a few times.
I don’t see how a steel piston is going to resist corrosion better then a plastic one. Since you didn’t mention who’s caliper you are using its hard to guess but I’d wager the ones you are using are not using the best seals available.
#3
12-26-2018, 06:22 PM
#5
12-26-2018, 09:10 PM
7 locked calipers, I'd say there's something going on with the truck or maybe whoever is rebuilding these. Pop the pistons out and see what's going on in there.
Tip to reduce work later; before you remove a caliper hose put something on the brake pedal to hold it down a bit, this will lock the fluid in the master so it doesn't all drain out. Your brake lights will likely be on so consider pulling the fuse if you'll have it apart for very long.
Tip to reduce work later; before you remove a caliper hose put something on the brake pedal to hold it down a bit, this will lock the fluid in the master so it doesn't all drain out. Your brake lights will likely be on so consider pulling the fuse if you'll have it apart for very long.
#7
12-27-2018, 05:06 AM
Liked mentioned don't think steel calipers will help, especially on a truck that sits a lot.
If you've never changed your rubber brake lines it may be time. These are a nice upgrade and really firm up braking. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rus-696490
And once you get it fixed drive it once a week just to keep things limbered up.
If you've never changed your rubber brake lines it may be time. These are a nice upgrade and really firm up braking. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rus-696490
And once you get it fixed drive it once a week just to keep things limbered up.
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#8
12-28-2018, 03:58 PM
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