Brakes locking up while driving?

AUSTIN110

MEMBER
2013 HYUNDAI GENESIS
2.1L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

As I am driving the brakes start to get more sensitive and then become stiff. The car continues to drive until the brake pedal comes up higher and stiff and then the ESC light comes on and the brakes lock up. If the car sits for 30-60 minutes, then it can be driven with no problem. The last time this occurred I think the back right locked up first.
This issue is difficult and requires some driving to get it to act up. It may happen after 10 miles, or it may require several trips before it happens.

Work done so far by 2 shops:
The initial diagnostic performed was that the front struts needed to be replaced. This was done and, not surprisingly, did not solve the issue. Then although there was no ABS issue on the diagnostics so they suggested that it may be the ABS. I purchased an ABS aftermarket installed it. This did not solve the issue.
Replaced the brake master cylinder. I drove the car for over a week and then the original problem occurred, and the brakes locked up.

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi,

Front struts? LOL wow. I'm not sure what they were thinking.

I need you to do something for me. Drive the vehicle for about 10 miles and then park. Get out of the vehicle and walk around it and see if there is excessive heat coming from any of the wheels or if they are all extremely hot.

If they all get hot, we have something slightly applying the brakes. As they start to heat up, the brake fluid expands. As this continues, the brakes begin to apply more and more until they could lock. Also, the brake pedal may get stiffer just because the area for fluid to move in the system is already taken up.

Do this and let me know what you find. Note if it is one or all wheels.

Take care,

Joe