Sticking brake piston?

Tiny
KARL46
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 73,000 MILES
The front Brakes are making a crunching noise, even if the car is in park. The shop says the whole front assy (both sides)needs replacement because the brake piston is sticking? Does this sound correct.
Tuesday, March 29th, 2011 AT 2:06 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
Not really, but we can't see or hear it. Can you crawl underneath and listen to the calipers and feel them while a helper presses the brake pedal?
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Tuesday, March 29th, 2011 AT 2:15 AM
Tiny
KARL46
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Yes I can, they stated that they had a five hundered in earlier with the same symptoms and that fixed it. Guess there is no luberication for this part? The also quoted a pretty steep price for the part. For what they are charging I may take it to the dealer, who knows there may be a TSB or something.
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Tuesday, March 29th, 2011 AT 2:19 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
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Here's another suggestion. Check the auto parts stores that borrow or rent tools to see if they have a "Chassis Ear". That is a set of six microphones, headphones, and a switch box. The newer model uses four of those microphones that are wireless. Be aware many mechanics have never heard of or seen this tool. You clip the microphones to various suspect points and move them around to zero in on the source of the noise.

Since you can hear the noise while standing still, I would expect to find caliper mounting bolts or slides that can be cleaned up and lubricated. Ford has a history of very poor caliper mounting designs, mostly on their trucks, but my impression is that hasn't been a problem for a number of years.
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Tuesday, March 29th, 2011 AT 2:53 AM
Tiny
KARL46
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Thanks
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Tuesday, March 29th, 2011 AT 3:17 AM
Tiny
KARL46
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Well, I attempted to listen to the noise and it was coming from the brake assembly, but that was the extent of it. So, I decided to spend the big bucks and take it to the dealer. They stated it was the brake pads and did a front brake job. So with an oil change and tire rotation, I am 240.00 lighter. The noise has subsided but not gone entirely. Believe me, I have tried to relicate it; jamming on the brakes causeing the car to nose dive. Kind of funny though how that noise masked other stuff! On to the grinding rear. Thanks for all of your help! You guys rock.

Karl
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Sunday, April 3rd, 2011 AT 2:01 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
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$240.00 for all the including a brake job? You have a good dealer.
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Sunday, April 3rd, 2011 AT 6:02 PM
Tiny
KARL46
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Actually all they did for the 240.00 was a front brake job (replaced fornt pads), oil change and tire rottion.
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Sunday, April 3rd, 2011 AT 9:16 PM
Tiny
KARL46
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Oh, they diagnosed the backup somthings getting close sensor which would not shut off in reverse. 38.00 for that. They wanted over 600.00 to fix that. Said the sensors were expensive. So I tracked down the buzzer and disconnected it.
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Sunday, April 3rd, 2011 AT 9:19 PM

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