Left front brake dragging

Tiny
KATHIE ZAREMBA
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 SATURN VUE
  • V6
  • 160,000 MILES
I have changed everything on my left front brake and it still keeps dragging. It burns up my ABS sensor also. It drags the tire also so cannot even get new tires due to I do not need them ruined also. Help!
Monday, May 21st, 2018 AT 2:24 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
Several things might cause your caliper to lock up.

I looked over a few of our repair guides to maybe find something that might aid you. This is the closest guide I could locate:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-pulls-right-or-left-when-driving-or-braking

Although there is a mention of a brake hose being the possible problem, it was not really dwelled on in the guide. Maybe I can expand on the situation.

You mentioned replacing "everything", maybe the brake hose was omitted?

What happens is the hose internally deteriorates (this might exhibit the same symptoms as a twisted or pinched hose). The hose will internally close off. This may not allow fluid to enter the caliper, or in your possible case will not allow the fluid to back out when you release the brake pedal. Hence, the caliper remains in the braking position.

Depending on the severity, the caliper may remain locked up, or over some period of time (seconds/minutes/ etc.) it may leak back thru the hose and unlock the caliper.

Other that just replacing the hose as a test, you can try this test to verify the hose being the problem.

Brake and make the wheel lock up.

If it will remain locked up,

Open the bleeder screw, relieving the trapped brake fluid.

If the caliper releases,

It is most likely the hose acting like a check valve.

Replace the hose.

Let us know if this helps!

The Medic

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Monday, May 21st, 2018 AT 4:56 PM

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