ghostrx7

It seems my rear brakes are sticking while driving, it does it totally random, usually after i apply them for a short distance. I tried re lubing the caliper bolts and putting them back in, that didnt do anything. Anyone have any ideas?

twistedriver

Is the little spring that goes on the brake pads still in place?

ghostrx7

Ill check, but im pretty sure it is.

twistedriver

Well thats the only reason that i can think of that would cause the brakes to drag if the caliper is working correctly. My brakes drag too and i am sure that one side in the rear don't have the little spring on it. So yeah tell me what happen. FYI this happen when i have my 4 lug brake system too. I have 5 lugs now.....

MAZDASPEEDFD

iTrader: (1)

What are the symptoms of sticking brake pads? I think I might have the same problem. TIA.

Radical Rotary Avantgard

That recently happend to me, but the pads were sticking to the point of stopping the car.
It was random and front to mostly, alternating left and right.
Did the easy, cheap and quick diagnostic by flushing the system with new brake fluid to no avail. I knew then, that the master brake cylinder had to be replaced and so I did and the problem is gone.

ghostrx7

Well took the caliper off, and tested the actual piston, it seems the piston when brake is applied goes out normally, but doesnt retract like it should. So im guessing i need a new caliper, anyone have one for sale?? lol

DigitalSynthesis

Um. You might just need to rebuild it. But pistons DON'T "retract" per se to my knowledge. Check the FSM for details but the whole point of the piston working is that the pads SLIDE nearly or actually in contact with the rotor while the car is in motion, then they are squeezed when you brake. Then they relax to their sliding state after. I've had no brake problems (so far!) and my pads are always right up against the rotor when I take them off for replacement. So much so that they hold the rotor in place on the lugs and it comes loose when I take the old pads out.

If your brakes work when you put your foot in, and then when you release your foot, your brakes don't release, that sounds suspiciously like a master cylinder problem to me. I'd get that checked for sure. I'm not a brake expert though, just speaking from theory. The FSM may have a diagnosis outline for you to follow.

rxtasy3

iTrader: (2)

Have u tried jacking the front of the car up off the ground and tried spinning the tire after applying the brake? It may be a problem with some slight rust build up in the piston bore not allowing the piston to release pressure completely. This is a problem I have experienced.

ghostrx7

Well after taking the driver side rear caliper totally off and capping the brake line, the passengerside rear was starting to stick, my guess is the master cylinder...since at first it would brake fine, then after about 500 feet it totally locked up, good thing i was in front of my driveway on my way back from test driving it. The left rear completely locked up, i could not move my car whatsoever, so we came to the conclusion that it is in fact the master cylinder, thanks guys for your help, any other bits of advice would be appreciated as well. Also discovered a hole in the caliper piston rubber boot, so im going to rebuild that caliper with all new parts and buy a reman brake cylinder.

rxtasy3

iTrader: (2)

I wouldn't rebuild/replace just one caliper or wheel cylinder, do both, ur life may depend on it. Never skimp when it comes to brakes. If u were paying a shop to do it, they wouldn't just do one side. Also wouldn't hurt to make sure the perportioning(sp) valve is working right. There's check ***** and springs in there.

ghostrx7

You have a good point, im thinking i should just upgrade my rear brake calipers as well, and get new brake pads. It seems this little problem may have a good outcome....:p