waht would cause one side of the brakes to work but the other to not?

1999 DODGE CARAVAN

190,000 MILES

TKUCH6969

MEMBER
1 POST

i have a 1999 dodge caravan replaced the brakes, ie pads, rotors, calipers, hoses and drivers side brake line all new!..been having an off and on again sqealing and slight grinding noise from the driver side...also after inspection with tire still on it looks to be that the brake pad isnt working on the driver side, what would cause one side to work but the other to not work?

Aug 26, 2012 at 5:56 AM

CARADIODOC

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
34,321 POSTS

Front-wheel-drive vehicles use a split-diagonal hydraulic system so the two front brakes are on separate circuits. Rapid wear on just one side can be caused by a restricted flex hose, either because under light braking the brake fluid can't get through, or after heavy braking, the fluid can't release right away. Usually the complaint is the brakes are dragging and the wheel is getting hot when the fluid doesn't release.

Park on a slight incline, shift to neutral, and see if the van creeps downhill when you release the brakes. If it doesn't, try to open the bleeder screw on the caliper with rapid pad wear. If a little fluid spurts out and the van starts to roll freely, look at the metal bracket crimped around the rubber hose. Use a large channel-lock pliers to open that crimp up just a little. Over time rust builds up inside that crimp and constricts the hose.

Aug 26, 2012 at 6:12 AM

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