My caliper is dragging on the rotor. Started after I had this all apart to change bearings. I can pry them open with a screw driver then give the brake a couple pumps it comes tight, but wont totally release. Pads stay rubbing against the rotor slightly, can hear it dragging.Think its dirt or something? What is supposed to cause the brake to release?(back away from the rotor) Maybe wrecked the master cylinder kit if I pried them too far open while removing or installing the assembly? I had the assembly off but not apart other than the park brake. Maybe I need to bleed them? Thanks for any help.
you have build up in the caliper from the brake fluid crystalizing on the pistons, this causes drag on the seals and makes it stick. You can do 1 of 2 things, remove caliper and take out the pistons, clean off the hard crystals and put back together, or replace with a good unit.
The reason this happens is the brake fluid breaks down over time with the heat from brakes, turns dark brown and turns into crystals. this is why you need to change the brake fluid every couple years, same as on motorcycles.
The reason this happens is the brake fluid breaks down over time with the heat from brakes, turns dark brown and turns into crystals. this is why you need to change the brake fluid every couple years, same as on motorcycles.
davidgboy
New member
yup most people dont change fluid periodically. manual says to only change when brakes are disassembled. not good advice. i would try and rebuild the one u have. there is no return spring on calipers unlike shoes. once pressure is relieved they just "relax". not uncommon for pads to rub very lightly on rotors. no dragging should be felt though unless rotor is warped and then it could drag on the "high spots"
Awesome. Thank you very much. Gonna have some cleaning to do.
if your going in that deep, i would get a new seal kit for the pistons just for peace of mind. get yourself some new brake pads if needed. pretty simple job really. seal kit is under $10.
clean the piston up as well as the hole it sits in in the caliper and you should be good to go. a block of wood and some compressed air make light work of removing the pistons from the caliper.
clean the piston up as well as the hole it sits in in the caliper and you should be good to go. a block of wood and some compressed air make light work of removing the pistons from the caliper.
Took it apart, cleaned it up. Was thinking new seals might be a good idea, and brake pads arent like new for sure. If I have to go in again, I will replace that stuff next time. I will take it for a ride tomorrow. Seems like its good. Thank everyone for the help. The bleeding the brakes thread helped too.