Brakes
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 156
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From: Whispering Pines, NC
Brakes
On my 83 f150 5.8 liter pickup, the one or two of the breaks are locking up. I drove a lot today running in-town errands. The pads are almost new and haven't had any problems until today. Any help would be appreciated.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Also, while the rear brakes are supposed to be self-adjusting, many of those mechanisms no longer work. In that case the rear brakes become less and less effective and the braking shifts more and more to the front. Has anyone checked the rears to ensure the self-adjuster works? Have you adjusted the rear brakes to make sure they are working properly? And, have you checked the brake fluid level?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 11
From: Wausau, WI
Are they replacement calipers? If so, where did they come from?
I had the same problems on my old '83, but they smoked on the highway. Didn't even notice because the truck was loaded with steel. A lot of them use a phenolic piston, and some of the aftermarket ones bind up in time. Switched to a steel piston caliper and never had a problem again.
I had the same problems on my old '83, but they smoked on the highway. Didn't even notice because the truck was loaded with steel. A lot of them use a phenolic piston, and some of the aftermarket ones bind up in time. Switched to a steel piston caliper and never had a problem again.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 1
From: Dallas, GA
I've seen other threads on here where there was issues with the flex lines going to the calipers as well. Either the lines get kinked or the interior lining of the lines gets old and rots, then blocks the passages causing the calipers to not return and lock up.
If you replaced the calipers, did you also replace these lines?
If you replaced the calipers, did you also replace these lines?
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 9
From: Acworth, GA
Ok, I have to agree with everything everyone said, so far.
I also have a few things to add.
First, when was the last time the brake fluid was completely flushed? Here in Georgia it is recommended every two years, because of the high humidity level, and the brake fluids hygroscopic properties. Moisture can collect within the system and cause rust, which will cause internal parts not to function properly.
Second, when doing front or rear brake replacement you should always lubricate the proper points with the proper brake grease. I always use the green synthetic disc brake caliper lube.
I have some steel braided flex lines on my truck. They work very well, and will not expand like the rubber lines. Having said that, they will wear out like the rubber ones and need to be replaced, just not as often.
I would also say that if some or all of the brake parts have never been replaced and are original, then it would be a good idea to do so with some good quality parts. And do or have it done properly.
Good luck.
I also have a few things to add.
First, when was the last time the brake fluid was completely flushed? Here in Georgia it is recommended every two years, because of the high humidity level, and the brake fluids hygroscopic properties. Moisture can collect within the system and cause rust, which will cause internal parts not to function properly.
Second, when doing front or rear brake replacement you should always lubricate the proper points with the proper brake grease. I always use the green synthetic disc brake caliper lube.
I have some steel braided flex lines on my truck. They work very well, and will not expand like the rubber lines. Having said that, they will wear out like the rubber ones and need to be replaced, just not as often.
I would also say that if some or all of the brake parts have never been replaced and are original, then it would be a good idea to do so with some good quality parts. And do or have it done properly.
Good luck.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,462
Likes: 0
From: Richmond
I'm betting fluid as well. How worn were the old pads? Someone might have added fluid to make the old pads compressible, putting on thicker pads increased the fluid level in the system beyond the acceptable max.
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