Brake caliper problem
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
I plan on taking my wheels off to lube these brake slides next week. Does anyone have a picture by any chance so that I know what needs to be lubed?
What type of grease is everyone using to lube these slides?
Thanks for the help everyone.
What type of grease is everyone using to lube these slides?
Thanks for the help everyone.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 754
Likes: 0
I was wondering if I was having a problem. Washed my truck the other day after being out for a while driving and the right front brake steamed when the water hit it. Left one did also but not as bad. I don't recall other brakes getting that hot. You could feel the heat. Not pulling anything, just around town. 32,000 miles.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Dayton Ohio
14,500 miles, the dealer replaced my front caliper and pads yesterday.
They did not turn the rotor or change it
My drivers pads were down to 5mm and the passenger were at 8mm.
The caliper had caused the "Death wobble" at highway speeds, and using my infrared sensor, the drivers side would be over 500 degrees while the passenger would be 280-300.
They did not turn the rotor or change it
My drivers pads were down to 5mm and the passenger were at 8mm.
The caliper had caused the "Death wobble" at highway speeds, and using my infrared sensor, the drivers side would be over 500 degrees while the passenger would be 280-300.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,708
Likes: 7
From: Circle City
Dude, That's a scary question but here's a generic picture of a pair of slides.
Caliper grease can be found at the counter of your local autoparts house in a blister pack for a buck.
Good luck.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 4
From: Connecticut
Make sure you know exactly what your doing.Brakes especially in these heavy beasts are not something you want to screw up.Im only judging because of how you asked.Sounds like you havent done a brake job yet.Very easy job to do if you know what your doing.
New User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Katy, TX
Left Front Brake Caliper
Just yesterday I was sitting at a red light and the guy sitting next to me honked his horn and I rolled down my window he pointed to my left front wheel and said I had smoke coming up real bad, I looked and saw it thanked him and pulled into a parking lot. My left front rotor was cherry red and brake smell and smoking real bad. so as I was letting it cool off I called my mechanic (Not Ford) he said to bring it in. They tore it apart and the bottom caliper was broke in half. We ordered new pads and caliper and rotor and I should have my truck back today around 2PM. I took pics of the broken caliper but do not know how to attach them to this thread. Cost is going to be around $800.00. 50K miles and this is the 1st problem with my truck. 2011 F-250 King Ranch, 5" exhaust, over sized tires. I knew that Ford would't warrenty this so I just saved myself a whole bunch of time and arguing by not dealing with Ford on this issue.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,708
Likes: 7
From: Circle City
Usually it's rotors and pads that are not covered under "normal wear item", but a busted caliper?
you might get reimbursed from your selling dealer for the defective brakes/failure.
Wouldn't hurt to ask.
you might get reimbursed from your selling dealer for the defective brakes/failure.
Wouldn't hurt to ask.
New User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Disc Brake Issues
This is not uncommon....Especially; if the brakes have not been properly maintained. A lot of do it yourselfers tend to just reline and do not not fully understand how to clean/maintain the disc brake.
If the piston was stuck it is rare but can happen...
You do not have to tear down the brake to check the caliper, Use a rolling wedge bar or screwdriver (and properly placed) can collapse a caliper piston while still mounted to the armature without doing any damage.
If a little resistance collapses the piston most likely the caliper is ok and the slides are frozen. (Very common in cold climates or with trucks that are run in off road conditions)
Another issue that can arise is a failed rubber brake line. Internal line failures can make a caliper appear frozen...
If the piston was stuck it is rare but can happen...
You do not have to tear down the brake to check the caliper, Use a rolling wedge bar or screwdriver (and properly placed) can collapse a caliper piston while still mounted to the armature without doing any damage.
If a little resistance collapses the piston most likely the caliper is ok and the slides are frozen. (Very common in cold climates or with trucks that are run in off road conditions)
Another issue that can arise is a failed rubber brake line. Internal line failures can make a caliper appear frozen...
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 188
I've had constant issues with the brakes on the F350's. Both my 08 and 2011. Frozen calipers and or grease gone in slides. I brake them hard. I believe the 11 has a better clip now but still. I'm glad to see the 2013 has even better brakes. I work them hard and live in cold snow covered roads.
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