I am having an issue with the right front caliper dragging on my '80. Seems like it's not releasing for some reason. Pads seem ok,plenty of material left. I was able to carefuly push the piston back, to where the rotor turned freely. Drove it this morning, and it is now dragging again. This problem started about 2 weeks ago.

What is the problem, and what do I need to fix it?

 

I removed the bleeder screw and forced my piston to bottom out. It took some pressure but something popped out of the hole (never could find it) and mine worked fine afterward.

 

I will try that and see what happens
Thanks!

 

Sounds like you have a restricted hose or sticking piston in your caliper . If the slides are free and not binding . Pump up the brakes with the wheel off the ground till it grabs with the brake released . Crack open the bleeder . If it frees up and spins , the hose is bad . If it stays frozen , and the slides are not binding , the caliper is bad .

 

My 83 came with plastic (phenolic) pistons, which I had trouble with sticking.
Replacement steel pistons are available. Theyve got at least 20 years service now.

 

Mine has metal piston.

 

How new are the calipers? If they're more than five years old, I'd say since the calipers on the trucks are so cheap to just get a new set and put them on. However, in my experience the tendency for people to ignore cleaning and lubricating the points of contact where the calipers slide in and out is the number one cause of brake issues of this sort.

 

I have no clue, never have had the front wheels off since I bought it last december. Absolutely no problems with this till about 2 weeks ago

 

The results are in, and it's the hose. I am also going to clean and lube the slides.

 

Drove it around town for a bit, and it actually felt like it was rolling freer than it was before, all I had done was squirt a little penetrating oil on the slide area. (Only other thing wrong, it it will pull very hard right if I let go of the wheel). I'll jack up that wheel again tomorrow and see how it turns

 

Good luck ! Let us know what you find . Most times you need to remove the caliper and clean the slide contacts . Your lube may get it done though .

 

Thanks! I'm still going to clean the contact areas to make darn sure it's all good

 

The lube did not do the trick, cracked the bleeder, freed right up. Pushed the pedal, was dragging again. so I guess a new hose is in order

 

A bit of advice , replace both front hoses at the same time . You will have even pressure both sides then . For that matter , whenever replacing brake parts , you need to do the same to the other side of the axle . That way , both sides are working the same and less chance of over stressing a weaker part or over working the better part . IMHO . Good Luck !

 

I missed it, how do you know it's the hose? The caliper can get rusty inside and that will cause it to stick also.