Hi
I replaced both front calipers on my truck about a month ago because one seemed to be seized. I decided not to do the flex lines because of time and was worried about getting myself into more issues as I am in an area where alot of salt is used and the lines are pretty rusted. Anyways I have kept an eye on my brakes and thought they may be a bit too hot after a drive so was questioning my flex line decision. I jack up the front and noticed the wheels (particularly drivers side) don't spin very free, I loosed the bleeder with no change so now I assume that eliminates the flex line??
I have aftermarket pads, I believe without the ears so I was wondering if they may be an issue? Then for some reason I tried spinning the wheels with the truck running and everything spun much easier(still a little drag), shut the truck off and everything spins well for about 15 sec then a faint thump and everything stiffen up again... vacuum hubs??
Sooo now thinking maybe everything is fine and im over thinking this...brakes get hot!! One question.. is it normal for drag to be on the front hubs with the engine off or is that a sign of a leak that will cause some issues eventually??
Should mention I'm in a 14 SCrew 4x4 and it seems to work fine.
Thanks for any thoughts

 

If the pads you used don't have humps on them, you got the wrong pads for your truck, also there have been multiple reports of aftermarket pads having too much pad material on them causing them to bind, get some genuine Ford or Motorcraft pads and call it a day, also be sure you orient those humps the proper way or they'll bind, the pad with humps goes on the inside up against the caliper piston, 1 each side.

 

Thanks, I have heard that even the OEM pads no longer have the ears but I will look into that.
thanks again

 

I use this place for my parts. Genuine Ford. https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...3z-2001-a.html

 

Take a safe run down a quiet street and put your foot on the pedal lightly to brake your pads in. After the brakes cool off see if the wheels spin with some slight drag due to closeness of the pads with the rotor.
If you still feel quite a bit of drag, I would consider replacing the brake lines hooked to the Calipers. They sometimes cause some problems.

At this time, you also will have a feel with the Possibility the Caliper's
Or the adjusters that center the calipers with the rotor are crap.

Rebuilt Calipers may be junk out of the Box. I won't state the Company who sells junk but it exists.

After the brakes cool off to standing room temps, I would unbolt & set the Caliper off the rotor on a bucket.. Caliper Adjusters may be sticky / Dry of lube.
Having the Calipers off is also a great way to check your front wheel bearings. They are really weird & removing the Caliper lets you feel the Bearing.
If you have loose bearings that can reflect on the brakes as well. Usually, you have some road noise though with those bearings not to specs, especially turning quickly.

 

Thanks for that. So as mentioned i was thinking flex lines also but when i loosend the bleeder there was no difference so thought that would eliminate those lines from being the issue??
I am leaning towards the pads being the issue although I am still a little confused about the increased drag with the truck off vs running, Im pretty sure the hubs aren't locked as I don't recall seeing the front cv shafts turning?
thanks

 

The front hubs work by VACUUM... When the truck is OFF, there is no vacuum and the 4 x 4 should try to engage... On mine, you can rotate the wheel with the engine off ... but takes a little effort.... With motor running the vacuum pulls the 4 x 4 OFF and the tire should rotate a little easier..

 

Yeah, I just did my front brakes (3/24) and when I rotated the LH hub with engine off it was a little stiff but I could see the driveshaft turn(4wd).
Note: the pads were PowerStop and the Info Sheet in the box stated that the hump in the backing plate had been eliminated. FWIW.

 

2011 Supercab, I have replaced both front brake lines(flexible hoses) the first one was intermittently causing the drivers side wheel to drag and the second one the passenger side locked the wheel up almost completely so bad I had to have the truck towed home.