Bad caliper?

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Bad caliper?

August 12, 2006, 11:04:51 AM

My '87 3.8L T-bird likes to lock up the front right caliper prematurely. It isn't really noticeable on dry roads...but in the wet it becomes a deathmobile. I had an off-road excursion last night due to this, so I'd like to fix the issue pr0nto.

Other than premature lockup, the braking system works fine. Anyone think it is something besides a bad caliper on the right?

Bad caliper?

Reply #1 – August 12, 2006, 11:15:53 AM

Something wierd here...mine does it too, but I've got a small hole in the brakeline up next to the firewall...pass. side...
why it locks that wheel up, I've got no idea...I'd think with a hole in that wheel's line, it wouldn't want to lock up as easy..?

I'd like new brake lines from MC to calipers/drums, and everywhere in between...but can't afford that right now...good thing I don't drive mine very much, just on gravel from one farm to the other, about a 2 mile trip one way.

Let me know what your issue is...hopefully not a holed line like mine is..

Bad caliper?

Reply #2 – August 12, 2006, 02:21:36 PM

Could try bleeding them and while the wheels are off check that the calipers move freely back and forth (you'll ned to compress the piston a bit to check) your opposite caliper could be sticking causing it not to brake as well, slather all moving pats with neverseez.

Bad caliper?

Reply #3 – August 12, 2006, 08:59:49 PM

Could be something on the pads/rotor, too, something that becomes grabby when wet.

When my caliper seized up the other day, it was the left caliper seized, but the car pulled hard right under braking. The left side got so hot it faded to the point of having no braking power.