My problem is my front brake caliper sticks.

Tiny
DODGEPODGE
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 3.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
My problem is my front brake caliper sticks. Already burned through a new set of brake pads. I tried taking off the caliper and pushing the piston in and it still does it. The thing that puzzles me is when I open the bleeder screw shouldn't the brake pedal go all the way to the floor? Instead it is really hard to push on the pedal to get any fluid to come out. What might the problem be? Thanks
Wednesday, September 19th, 2018 AT 10:29 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon.

This could be a failed brake hose. It is attached to the caliper and goes back to a hard line. It is common for them to collapse internally causing this exact issue.

Roy
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Wednesday, September 19th, 2018 AT 11:37 AM
Tiny
DODGEPODGE
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Uh huh? So how would I check it? Roy? More time wasted here?
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Thursday, September 20th, 2018 AT 10:28 AM
Tiny
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Sorry you think it is a waste of time. I have been waiting for 24 hours for your response.

When the wheel will not turn or is tight, open the bleeder and see if fluid comes out and the wheel spins free.

Roy

Always use factory recommended brake hose to insure quality, correct length and superior fatigue life.

- Care should be taken to make sure that the tube and hose mating surfaces are clean and free from nicks and burrs. Right and left hoses are not interchangeable.

- Use new copper seal washers on all "banjo" bolts and tighten all fittings to specified torque. Connections should be tight and properly made.

- The flexible hydraulic brake hose should always be installed on the vehicle by first attaching the "Banjo" connector to the caliper assembly. Then bolt the intermediate hose bracket to the strut assembly allowing the bracket to position the hose to prevent twisting. Attach the hose to the body bracket and steel brake tubing. Tighten all fittings to specified torque.

- The body bracket and hose end are "keyed" so that they will only fit one way.

- Install rear brake hoses first to the trailing arm cross member tubes and then to the floor pan tubes. Minimize hose twisting.
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Thursday, September 20th, 2018 AT 11:14 AM
Tiny
DODGEPODGE
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Sorry, did not mean to be cranky. Other severe problems. I do not have my own computer so have to resort to other alternatives.
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Friday, September 21st, 2018 AT 10:15 AM
Tiny
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No worries. We are here to help no matter what.

Did you get a chance to check for the collapsed hose?

Roy
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Friday, September 21st, 2018 AT 10:25 AM
Tiny
DODGEPODGE
  • MEMBER
  • 111 POSTS
Okay, from looking at the brake hose from the outside it does not looked sucked in at all. When I pulled the caliper off the pins seemed a little sticky maybe a some corrosion inside the rubber bushings or what they are called. I do not know what kind of lubricant is in there but I have some silicone lubricant I thought I would try to spray in there. And you did not answer my question if I open one brake bleeder the pedal should go to the floor? Shouldn't it? Thanks
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Wednesday, September 26th, 2018 AT 10:18 AM
Tiny
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Yes, it should go to the floor.

The hose damage will not be visible from outside. It is an internal failure.

Yes, you can get some brake lube at a parts store for the pins.

Roy
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Wednesday, September 26th, 2018 AT 10:21 AM

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