1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Seized Caliper?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 31, 2007 | 06:38 PM
  #1  
'84-12A-GSL's Avatar
Thread Starter
Rotary Enthusiast
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 770
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Seized Caliper?

I just put 4 new rotors, and all new pads all the way around on my GSL. Today I moved it around my driveway a few times, and I went around touching the rotors, 3 were luke warm, and the driver side front was hot to the touch, and it looked like the rotor had a glaze over it. SO the pads are rubbing, does this mean my caliper is seized. Im gonna pull the wheel and have a closer look tomorrow.
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2007 | 02:43 PM
  #2  
Kentetsu's Avatar
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member 15 Years
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 11,359
Likes: 14
From: Grand Rapids Michigan
There are two pins that the caliper slides on. Those will usually corrode and keep the caliper from moving properly. You will probably be able to clean and lube the parts and be good...
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2007 | 08:14 PM
  #3  
Rx-7Doctor's Avatar
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,584
Likes: 12
From: Oregon
Originally Posted by '84-12A-GSL
I just put 4 new rotors, and all new pads all the way around on my GSL. Today I moved it around my driveway a few times, and I went around touching the rotors, 3 were luke warm, and the driver side front was hot to the touch, and it looked like the rotor had a glaze over it. SO the pads are rubbing, does this mean my caliper is seized. Im gonna pull the wheel and have a closer look tomorrow.
Normally if you have a front caliper that is seized, when you apply the brakes the vehicle will want to pull to one side.

When you installed new pads you had to retract the piston in the caliper in order to fit the new pads. Was there extreme resistance on the driverside?
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2007 | 08:26 PM
  #4  
'84-12A-GSL's Avatar
Thread Starter
Rotary Enthusiast
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 770
Likes: 0
From: Canada
I cleaned and greased the pins while re assembling.

The piston was already pushed in all the way, so there was no need. I didn't get to look at it today, due to work. I think tomorrow Ill take the caliper off the rotor, and slowly add pressure, and see if the piston moves at all.
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2007 | 08:40 PM
  #5  
Rx-7Doctor's Avatar
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,584
Likes: 12
From: Oregon
If the piston was already all the way in and your pads were worn out then that is a good sign that the piston is seized.

As the pad wears the piston comes out further and further. It does not fully retract it's self at that point. Generally it will just barley disengage the pad from the rotor.
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2007 | 08:46 PM
  #6  
'84-12A-GSL's Avatar
Thread Starter
Rotary Enthusiast
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 770
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Well a little history behind the car, is the guy who I bought it of didn't do ANYTHING to the car at all as far as maintenance, or even cleaning it. He had no license, and the car wasn't registered, or safty inspected, and didn't have a plate on it and he was driving it around to and from work. And to top it off it had no brakes!

The lines were rotten, so the brakes hadn't had any use, for I dont know how long.

I fixed the rear calipers, by dismantling them, cleaning, and lubing them. I know the front passenger one is working. Im guessing this one is seized.

I might be able to fix it.
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2007 | 08:52 PM
  #7  
Kentetsu's Avatar
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member 15 Years
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 11,359
Likes: 14
From: Grand Rapids Michigan
Replacements are fairly cheap if you need one. Check out www.rockauto.com

Good luck with it. If the piston was already retracted when you replaced the pads, then that's a pretty clear indication that the caliper is siezed...
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2007 | 06:02 PM
  #8  
'84-12A-GSL's Avatar
Thread Starter
Rotary Enthusiast
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 770
Likes: 0
From: Canada
It was seized. I pulled the wheel, and took the caliper off the rotor, and just applied pressure to the brake pedal. At first the pedel felt nice and hard, than the pressure dropped as the piston broke free. Shes working now!
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2007 | 05:54 PM
  #9  
Kentetsu's Avatar
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member 15 Years
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 11,359
Likes: 14
From: Grand Rapids Michigan
Thanks for posting back with the solution...
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2007 | 06:02 PM
  #10  
'84-12A-GSL's Avatar
Thread Starter
Rotary Enthusiast
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 770
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Hopefully if someone else runs into the same situation, the fix will be as easy as mine was.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Robrods64
New Member RX-7 Technical
6
Oct 2, 2015 07:56 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:35 PM.