NEED HELP!!!!!!!!!

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Dec 15, 2009 | 06:20 AM

HUNTER10

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NEED HELP!!!!!!!!!

On the way to work this am, developed a problem with my 2001 F250 crew cab powerstroke 4x4. The last 2-3 miles of the drive my truck started to shake pretty violently, lower speeds did better - over 40mph horrible. Truck started pulling bad to the right and wanted to slow down unless I stayed on the gas. I'm thinking brake problem. Sure enough, get to work and the passanger side front brake is super hottt. Is this a stuck caliber? If not what is more than likely the issue? I've got to drive about 30 miles home after work tonight - dont get off till 7 pm. Nowhere to really fix it tonight in the dark and sure don't want to drop it off at a repair shop and pay all that $$$$ when I can do a brake problem in the shop at my house. Any thoughts as to how to get it unstuck until I can get home? Thanks so much in advance for the help.

Dec 15, 2009 | 06:29 AM

andrewc53

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From: Dayton MD

You may be able to open the bleeder and get your tire iron between the caliper and rotor and compress your pistons in a little. After cooling off it mat not lock again before you get home. You need to check the slide pins and make sure they are moving freely when you take it apart. Also the dust boots to make sure they are not torn. A Curtis

Dec 15, 2009 | 07:17 AM

HUNTER10

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thanks. i'm gonna go try it at lunch and see what happens i appreciate the help

Dec 15, 2009 | 09:29 AM

USAF CCM

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Joined: Sep 2003

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From: New Baden IL

Are you sure it's the brake and not the wheel bearing starting to seize up? They get pretty hot.....ask me how I know.

Check to see if your wheel bearing is bad by jacking up that side and slowly spin the wheel, if you hear a grinding noise, it might be the bearing. Check for play by holding wheel at the 3 & 9:00 positions (12 & 6:00 are used to check the ball joints) and twisting the wheel back and forth.....there should be no play.

Hope you get it figured out.

Dec 15, 2009 | 09:49 AM

jk_hooper

Mountain Pass

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 199

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From: Uniontown KY

If it is your brake, maybe pur some oil or wd40 on it. You WILL loose braking on that tire so there is some dangers in it but it will be less than a possible braking locking up and turning while driving. I have done it on a blazer before. Just be careful when stopping. I would drive slower than usual and you will have to change pads.

Dec 15, 2009 | 10:02 AM

SkySkiJason

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Joined: Jul 2008

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From: N.GA Mountains

If it is the brake, expect to replace the caliper and rotor as well. These rotors usually don't take much 'abuse' and overheating a caliper often leads to its early demise. ANYTIME brake fluid gets really hot, you should flush and replace it!

I have O'Riellys lifetime replacement rotors (cost me $66/ea) and currently using EBC 'Greenstuff' 7000 brake pads. LOVE IT!

Hopefully, you'll just find some stuck sliders on the caliper. FWIW, I lube all the slide pins about every other tire rotation. I also change my brake fluid every 2 yrs or so - unless it gets HOT before that!

Good luck! Please let us know how you make out.

Dec 15, 2009 | 10:06 AM

SkySkiJason

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From: N.GA Mountains

Quote:

Originally Posted by jk_hooper

If it is your brake, maybe pur some oil or wd40 on it.

Being a shadetree/redneck mechanic myself, I've tried and done lots of crazy stuff... If ya do this, please make sure your FIRE EXTINGUISHER is in good working order!!!