Parking Brake does not work on replaced caliper

LABPAT_2000

MEMBER
FORD PROBE

I just replaced my rear left caliper on my '94 Ford Probe GT 2.5L V6 with 79,000 miles. I bled the brake system just on the replaced caliper by the book. The brake works well but when I pull the parking brake handle, it pulls the lever on the caliper all the way forward but the wheel still spins freely. It is not pushing the piston out to compress the brake pads. I noticed that the brake lever on the new caliper is so soft, it feels no resistance except by the spring, I can push it all the way forward by hand. Compared with the unreplaced caliper on the right rear, it feels pressurized and hard to push by hand and it locks when the brake handle is pulled. What did I miss on the replacement of the caliper? Or is there a way to make the brake handle work properly?

2 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Well if you didn't adjust the caliper to the rotor and pad thickness you will not hold! The piston must be turned to adjust it for proper clearance!

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Monday, September 10th, 2007 AT 2:30 AM

LABPAT_2000

MEMBER
3 POSTS

What do you mean turn the piston to adjust it for proper clearance? Yes, I did install the new caliper with the piston still compressed all the way in as it came out of the box. But it seems to be in proper position now after I bled the brake system. The brake pedal and the brake is working well except the parking brake in that caliper. Can you give more details how to adjust it? Do I have to bleed all the wheels even I did not disturb them coz the manual says bleed the system starting from right rear, left front, left rear and right front? I think you only do this if you replaced all calipers, right?