Feels like ive got my foot on the brake

Hi dandandan182,

This happens when the brake booster push rod is adjusted out too far which does no allow the brake master to return fully holding the brakes on. To confirm the issue loosen the brake master mounting bolts 3 turns to see if the car starts to roll again, if so remove the master and adjust the booster push rod inward. Also a brake flex hose can come apart internally causing a short of check valve in the system but this is usually isolated to one brake either front or rear. It is possible the calipers are sticking due to the pistons seizing. Whether servicing of the calipers or replacement is required would depend on the piston condition. Did this occur only after repairs of the brake system or replacement of the brake pads?

Hi,

If you open the bleeder and the brakes release, it sounds like the rubber brake hose to the caliper is bad. What happens is internally they break down. As a result, with the pressure of your foot, you can force fluid into the caliper. However, when you release the pedal, the caliper isn't strong enough to push the fluid back. As a result, the brake locks up or drags.

Am I correct in assuming when you open the bleeder, the brake releases? If so, replace that hose.

Here are the directions. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

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2005 Honda Civic L4-1.7L SOHC
Procedures
Vehicle Brakes and Traction Control Hydraulic System Brake Hose/Line Service and Repair Procedures
PROCEDURES
Brake Hose Replacement

NOTE:
Before reassembling, check that all parts are free of dust and other foreign particles.
Replace parts with new ones whenever specified to do so.
Do not spill brake fluid on the vehicle; it may damage the paint; if brake fluid gets on the paint, wash it off immediately with water.
To prevent dripping, cover disconnected line joints with rags or shop towels.

Pic 1

1. Replace the brake hose (A) if the hose is twisted, cracked, or if it leaks.
2. Disconnect the brake hose from the brake line (B) using a 10 mm flare-nut wrench (C).

Pic 2

3. Remove the flange bolt (A), and remove the brake hose brackets from the damper.
4. Remove and discard the hose clip (B).
5. Remove the banjo bolt (C), and remove the brake hose from the caliper.

Pic 3

6. Install the brake hose bracket (A) on the damper with the flange bolt (B) first, then connect the brake hose to the caliper with the banjo bolt (C) and new sealing washers (D).

Pic 4

7. Install the hose onto the hose bracket on the body with a new hose clip (A).
8. Connect the brake line to the brake hose.
9. After installing the brake hose, bleed the brake system.
10. Do the following checks:
Check the brake hose and line joint for leaks, and tighten if necessary.
Check the brake hoses for interference and twisting.

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Let me know if this takes care of the problem. Also, if I am incorrect about it releasing when you open the bleeder, let me know that as well.

Take care,
Joe

So we can assume that the issue is with the front brakes locking up as they are hot. However, we cannot assume it is both front since the brakes will get hot when used so we need to lift the vehicle and pump the brakes to get them to lock and up then spin each wheel to see which are locked up.

This could be a couple things but the first and foremost are the master cylinder, calipers, or the rubber brake lines are swelling not allowing the caliper to release.

Let's lift the vehicle and find out which specific wheels this is and we can go from there. Thanks

That is great information and makes perfect sense but not something I would have jumped to unless you mentioned the brake lights were staying on. However, you most likely would not see that as you are driving and can't see them.

Thanks for the update. I am sure that info will help others. Thanks

Hi 2002civic1.7,

If the problem is occurring only on one wheel, then it could be the flexible hose that is faulty resulting int the caliper sticking. If both brakes are sticking, check the brake pedal free play. Insufficient free play would cause the calipers to seize up after travelling.

If you had replaced with used calipers, I would suggest servicing the caliper pistons, if it is dirty, it would stick and cause overheating which would seize the brakes.

Half of what you replaced won't cause locking brakes. If the problem is still there, come back here and we'll figure it out.

Thanks for the information. You should be able to verify this by opening a bleeder screw and seeing a little fluid squirt out. A restricted rubber flex hose is more common, but with that, the brake would not release if you loosened the steel line at that combination valve.

You may have to shorten the pedal to the master cylinder as it may not be coming back all the way. See pic brake pedal height must be 6.34inches. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.