Brakes Binding - Alloys ???

[ridders]

Going to have a look at the front brakes on our 1984 1.9 hightop tomorrow. Just a thought before I jump in feet first. The vans running on 15" Ford Scorpio alloys with 205/55 tyres. Not aware that its got spacers on any of the wheels (was on van when bought and not taken wheels off front yet). As its both front brakes thats binding could it be related to having the Ford alloys on them? Think I read somewhere that certain alloys need spacing on the fronts to clear the calipers. Any thoughts?

Don't really like these alloys anyway and am looking to swap them over for some standard 14" steelies.

[VWCamperfan]

I think you would know if the alloys were rubbing on the calipers, it would sound pretty horrible but wouldn't make them bind.
If the van hasn't been used for a while then it is quite possible for the brakes to bind. Sometimes a good run using the brakes a fair bit can free them. Other than that, if you are having a look, try to pry the calipers and brake pads away from the disc and pump them back in again using the brake pedal. Do this a few times for each caliper and that can help.

[ridders]

Sounds pretty sensible Mark. With the caliper off the van what do you mean when describing freeing them off? Apologies in advance but not had the pleasure of working on the brakes before.

[VWCamperfan]

If they havn't been used for a while the calipers can stick. They are really just pistons in a cylinder. With the caliper off, you will see two pistons, one on each side of the inside of the caliper. These can be pushed outwards (away from what would be the brake disk) and back into the cylinder. Just make sure that when you pump the brake (it will be easy to push the pedal down now) that you dont pop the piston out of the caliper. A piece of wood the same thickness as the brake disk and pads should be placed between the two pistons to prevent them coming out too far.
Keep an eye on the brake fluid level as you push the pistons out as the fluid will be pushed back into the brake fluid tank (under instrument cover on dashboard) and could overflow out of the top.
I promise it will be clearer when you actually do it!

[Rozzo]

Sounds pretty sensible Mark. With the caliper off the van what do you mean when describing freeing them off? Apologies in advance but not had the pleasure of working on the brakes before.

if i were you i would let someone who knows take a look at your brakes since they're the main things that are between you and an accident. delving in there without good knowledge could be a bit risky.