Club 80-90 Forums

Hey guys,

A bit of a problem with my nearside front wheel. Can barely get over 40. Pulled over and nearly burnt myself, man it was hot. Made it home... just... all other three tires are nice and cool.

Any pointers?? Do i need a pro?? Had a look on here but cant find a similar prognosis

Seized caliper piston probably. Could also be a hose breaking down internally and acting like a one way valve......

Thanks tobydog... any tests i can do to confirm suspicions??? Seized caliper.., big job?

Possibly collapsed hose

Yeah, caliper binding. Take it off and soak it with WD40, leave it overnight.

Cheers guys..

Would this work?? Before serious repairs

Jack up that side. Unbolt the caliper and see if you can retract/push the pads back in easily.

I've done seals before, but, the last time I just bought a new caliper and had it put on. If the hoses are old it's probably worth changing them at the same time.

I'm very sure the brake cleaner won't work

Worth a try eh... right will have a look over the next few days

sliding caliper could also be be corrosion in pins so check state, check boots and lubricate when refitting, check both sides
the state of brake pads will tell you more when you get it all apart and clean up rust in carrier and lubricate at pad contact points
if in doubt get a garage to do the work
exchange callipers are pretty reasonable price and garage will probably want to use them rather than spend hours trying to clean up and reboot a caliper
fresh brake fluid all round and check the rears while you are at it

All of the above, I had a similar issue with another vehicle, the brake disc on the offending side was hot to the touch, found out that brake caliper pistons were not retracting, I got away with taking it off giving it a good cleaning, removed the pistons and cleaned the inside and renewed the dust covers as they looked to be perished.  All ok after that.

Cheers guys. You make it sound easy...

2 week waiting list in garage... so might give it a go...

Caliper off... undoing the brake pipe... really tough, pipe broke nightmare..cut the hose and bunged it up... after a bit of spillage...

Dust seal has split... no major pitting, just really dirty..have ordered a rebuild kit...and flexi hose and pipe ...

Quick question though. Should you be able to slip the piston in and out of the calliper easy without the seals... its really tight

It should be tight but moveable because this prevents any leakage, the dust covers just prevent dirt and water ingress from the outside.  I think I am correct in thinking that this machined piston to caliper is essential in stopping brake fluid leakage but happy to be corrected.

Thanks... ok i suppose the grease will make it easier to slide in and out... reason i ask was maybe this could have been the reason for failure