brake caliper question
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Virginia beach, VA
brake caliper question
My drivers side front caliper has been locking up lately, and I've heard the slide pin greasing is only temporary so I want to just go ahead and replace it. Can I just buy an off the shelf caliper at an auto parts store or do I need to get it from Ford? I know this truck is really picky about certain parts being Motorcraft only. Also, can I just bleed the one wheel or do I still need to do all 4 of them?
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 544
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From: Jersey Shore Not Seaside!
It all depends on why your caliper is hanging up. Is it the bracket's sliding pin bore rusting up, a piston sticking, or a pad sticking in the bracket? On an older vehicle it could also be a brake hose deteriorating.
People who just clean-up the frozen pins and reuse the compromised boots are going to have the issue again soon. It also depends on how well the rust has been cleaned, or is some remains will continue to oxidize quickly.
Rebuilt calipers are all about the quality of the job being done, so price can be a factor.
You can just bleed the one brake as long as excessive fluid has not drained from the plumbing.
People who just clean-up the frozen pins and reuse the compromised boots are going to have the issue again soon. It also depends on how well the rust has been cleaned, or is some remains will continue to oxidize quickly.
Rebuilt calipers are all about the quality of the job being done, so price can be a factor.
You can just bleed the one brake as long as excessive fluid has not drained from the plumbing.
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 293
Likes: 25
From: Central Illinois
I've just been through problems with calipers on 2 vehicles recently and fixed them myself.
You probably can get by just fine with replacing the one caliper that is hanging up. However, most mechanics will tell you it is better to replace both sides but that will obviously more than double the cost of the job.
I personally have done it both ways and have gotten away with it.
NAPA usually has 2 or 3 different grades of calipers. I'd advise you to go with the top of the line. You'll have to change the caliper bracket as well since the caliper most generally come with a new one to insure the bracket isn't compromised in any way.
You shouldn't have to bleed any more than just the one caliper that you've worked on. If after you bleed the one your working on and you don't have good pedal or if it's mushy you might try bleeding them all. This should only be necessary if the master cylinder goes completely empty while you have the brake line unhooked on the corner your working on.
Good luck.
You probably can get by just fine with replacing the one caliper that is hanging up. However, most mechanics will tell you it is better to replace both sides but that will obviously more than double the cost of the job.
I personally have done it both ways and have gotten away with it.
NAPA usually has 2 or 3 different grades of calipers. I'd advise you to go with the top of the line. You'll have to change the caliper bracket as well since the caliper most generally come with a new one to insure the bracket isn't compromised in any way.
You shouldn't have to bleed any more than just the one caliper that you've worked on. If after you bleed the one your working on and you don't have good pedal or if it's mushy you might try bleeding them all. This should only be necessary if the master cylinder goes completely empty while you have the brake line unhooked on the corner your working on.
Good luck.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
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From: Spanaway
If it been more that two years bleeding the full system is a good
way to go. Fresh fluid that has not absorbed any moisture is
always good. What ever I am driving I change all the brake fluid
every 2~3 years. If the stuff is turning black it needs to go.
You can also check the moisture content with a little tool
OEM/Brake fluid tester - Works with Dot3, Dot4 and Dot5 fluid (SHA901S) | Brake Fluid Tester | AutoZone.com
Sean
way to go. Fresh fluid that has not absorbed any moisture is
always good. What ever I am driving I change all the brake fluid
every 2~3 years. If the stuff is turning black it needs to go.
You can also check the moisture content with a little tool
OEM/Brake fluid tester - Works with Dot3, Dot4 and Dot5 fluid (SHA901S) | Brake Fluid Tester | AutoZone.com
Sean
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rmalottwtes30
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Sep 19, 2010 03:02 PM
