How to diagnose dragging/slow releasing brakes?

PACKERMAN1717

MEMBER
2012 JEEP WRANGLER
3.6L
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

Noticed brake dust on the front rims only. While driving, the vehicle will slow even when not braking. Seems to take a moment to get vehicle to fully stop so you have to brake well in advance. When turned off after driving, I can hear the front brakes groan/creak. Not sure where to start in diagnosing the issue. Thanks!

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

It is normal to see more brake dust on the front because the front brakes do approx 60% of the stopping. Also, could the sound you hear be the steel contracting while it cools?

As far as testing, the first thing I would do is this. Drive the vehicle under normal conditions. When you reach your destination, walk around the vehicle to see if there is excessive heat from any of the wheels. If you do, when the brakes cool, lift that wheel and check for resistance turning it. If there is none, have a helper press and release the brakes to see if the wheel stops and then release when the brake is released.

If it doesn't release or has excessive drag, we will need to remove the brakes and do some inspection. It could be a pad that is frozen in the caliper mount, the hardware is in poor condition due to rust and corrosion, the caliper slides need to be cleaned and lubricated, or the caliper itself is failing.

Try this and let me know the results. Also, if you have other questions, let me know.

Take care,

Joe