How can i test a caliper???

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Feb 8, 2008 | 12:09 PM

Bertha1

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How can i test a caliper???

Is there a way I can test to see if my passenger side caliper is working properly? when I brake, the truck pulls left which makes me think the right is not working. I replaced the calipers and pads myself and am wondering if the right line is bad (the rubber hose feels like it's seperating but I have no leaks). Could be crushed or pinched inside??

Feb 8, 2008 | 12:16 PM

NewEnglandHerdsman

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From: in the woods of MA

You can get a rough idea just by jacking up the car and while you try to spin the wheel, have someone step on the brakes. Another trick is to get on a dirt road and just stomp on the brakes. If you do this going backwards - you don't have to be going fast, and if you're backing down a slight incline they'll lock up easier - you can see where each wheel locks up. They should lock up at about the same place/time...

But if you replaced the calipers, I'd check that the caliper is free on the mounting bracket - with piston(s) on just one side it has to be able to slide side-to-side, otherwise it can't effectively "pinch" the rotor...

Feb 8, 2008 | 12:53 PM

Lazy K

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You can get the flex hoses going bad but that would cause the brake to hold on, it would not stop braking. When you brake can you feel the steering wheel suddenly pull to one side? If not the problem may be in your rear brakes, perhaps a leaking wheel cylinder getting fluid onto the shoes.

Feb 8, 2008 | 03:00 PM

Bertha1

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When I hit the brakes the truck pulls hard left which is why I thought it may be the right caliper. When you spin the tire you can hear it dragging against the pads too, almost like the caliper is not releasing I guess.

Feb 8, 2008 | 06:48 PM

jr32560

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From: southern md

yeah a lot of times car or truck pulls to one side is the rear brakes-the lines usually keep them locked up -not release-the rubber falls apart inside and clogs the small hole in the metal parts

Feb 8, 2008 | 11:14 PM

Old_Paint

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Hoses are possibly swelled closed inside, and may look fine outside. It will cause lack of or slow braking on one side (least restriction reacts fastest), but also failure to release when they DO apply. Been there, done that, especially on a vehicle that sits a while. My DUB needs flex lines now, all four corners. I'm thinking about having some custom lines made with teflon innards and stainless steel braid outers. Expensive hoses, but guaranteed to last. Helps to have friends in the hydraulics business.