Disk brakes dragging

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Jul 24, 2007 | 08:15 AM

wkett

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Disk brakes dragging

I have a 80 F-100 with power brakes and the small size rotors 4.5 bolt pattern wheels. The rotors are really worn and I have just threw pads on the last couple brake jobs so the rotors are thin. I have noticed when going down hills sometimes I "coast faster" somedays than others. I inspected my brakes and the rotors are now showing bad heat damage. I bought new rotors and pads and will put a kit in the caliper pistons.
What would cause the pads to drag? Wheel bearing adjustment? Pistons sticking? proportioning valve?
I must also say I had 2 master cylinders fail so I replaced the Booster and master cylinder from a 85 F-150 parts truck. The part number is different from my year but I think it was becase the 85 150 is heavier.
I'm afraid I might ruin my new rotors.

Jul 26, 2007 | 07:57 AM

ubereal2

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From: Lexington Mo

I've never been a fan of rebuild kits for brake calipers. No more than most of them cost, I'd replace them, and the brake hose's too. A bad hose can keep a caliper from grabbing, and releasing properly.

Bob

Jul 26, 2007 | 08:07 PM

wkett

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Thanks for the reply I never thought about the brake hoses. I'll price 2 of them out. You may be right on rebuilt calipers also because I don't have a cylinder hone.

Jul 27, 2007 | 07:05 AM

cujo8

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From: Williamson, NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by wkett

Thanks for the reply I never thought about the brake hoses. I'll price 2 of them out. You may be right on rebuilt calipers also because I don't have a cylinder hone.

You should not need a cylinder hone to rebuild your calipers from my experience with my 77 calipers. I media blasted my bare caliper housings and painted them with high heat paint. The hardest part of the rebuild was reinstalling the caliper piston back into its bore with the new seal and dust boot in place. The caliper piston is very tight fit and it took some work to get it all back together again.