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Just noticed the rear caliper is sticking, I believe the rear driver's side. It's noticeably harder to back up into the driveway, and after a long drive yesterday there was a distinct brake smell.
I have read previous discussion here, but I am wondering:
-Is it prudent to just change out the calipers on both sides of the rear?
-Should I replace brake lines while I am at it?
Couple other interesting points:
-For the last week or so, I noticed a squeak from the rear left side when ever I left the driveway, however it didn't seem to be sticking
-Just got a bunch of rain the last few weeks here, could be something got rusted.
-Replaced the slide pins about 6-8 months ago, but the boots were still original.
-Brake pads/rotors are Powerstop and only about 10k miles old. Need to replace these?
My experiences are guiding my suggestions. I tend to lean towards repairs in terms of age and EOL (end of life) of components, especially on 19 yr old vehicles.
Rebuild both calipers (easy), replace the 3 rubber lines, and flush the system. I also found my rear steel line that goes over the rear axle to be "bad". .. and while I was "there' I replaced my emergency brake components.
Could be your slide pins if you are saying you reused the old seals, Could be a piston or might not even be a caliper issue, Could be a soft line collapsed. Regardless the point would be to do a physical inspection and repair whatever has malfunction or worn out.
I just went through this last weekend, albeit on my modified Excursion with '07 brakes. Like you, I smelled the brakes before I was aware there was a problem. Went back to the wheel, and it was piping hot. Other 3 wheels were cool to the touch. I replaced the caliper, because I was short on time and long on money. If I had more time, I would have ordered new seals and boots and rebuilt it (again). This was a caliper that came with the donor axles, and I had already rebuilt them for the axle swap. I suspect the seals rolled somehow, as both pistons were locked up tight. Slide pins were good, and the brake line is a Russell stainless that isn't very old...maybe 3 years.
I replace the caliper when it happens, which in Vermont is too often. Plus it doesn't get driven much. If you still have a lot of pad left and the heat didn't warp your disk, I would reuse them. Sand the pads lightly to get the glaze off the face and maybe also on the disk. If the rotor is warped, see if you can find a place to turn it.
I put brakes on the '00 Ex a while back and discovered that the right front caliper had been sticking -- the slide pins were dry and nearly seized. It was a simple matter to disassemble, clean, and reassemble the caliper.
I've now got a similar issue with the right rear. Driving in town where the brakes are used a lot produces the distinctive smell. I'll rebuild it when I get a free afternoon. It's not a bad job.
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