Brakes sticking

I recently changed my front brake pads and rotors, everything seemed fine until about 2-3 weeks after. Now after a short drive both brakes will lock, the pedal is firm and it starts smoking. I have to loosen up the breather valve to get them to unlock. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Check your fluid level and make sure it's below the max line and above or at the min line on the master cylinder. Also, check the rears and be certain they are adjusted correctly.

 

Sounds like a bad brake hose to me. I've had the same issue on other cars. The hose either corrodes inside or gets damaged and it acts like a check valve, it lets pressure in but not back out again causing the brakes to lock. Did you let the caliper hang by the hose when you changed the pads?

 

Where's this breather valve you mention? On the caliper? I hope you mean bleeder valve.

 

Yeah top of the caliper

 

this is going to be a good one.

 

I've seen brakes stick because of deteriorated brake lines, that's where I'd look.

 

That's the bleeder valve. It's purpose is to purge air out of the fluid system, if air is in the system it can give a more of a spongy feel at the pedal. But since you're locking up, it sounds like the caliper pistons are locking up. Rusty said replace the caliper hoses, it's a cheap fix and since yours is a '99, it would be a good thing to do. Be sure to purge ALL the air out of the system. Always start at the farthest wheel from the brake master cylinder. And yes, start at the rear right. Sorry for the basics on bleeding brakes , but I don't know your level of experience.

 

Bottom line fluid gets into the calipers and can not get back out .

Like it was said the rubber hoses or maybe the Master Cylinder .

This happens on both sides ??

 

Yeah just yesterday both sides driver and passenger were smoking.

 

According to the tire factory its a bad master cylinder.

 

It could just be the difference between the old pads and new ones.

With the new pads the piston in the Master Cylinder is unable to retract far enough to allow the pressure to be released.

 

But in other news I also need a new carrier bearing and my front cv axle is leaking.

 

These Trucks do need some tender loving care !!

Unless they sit in the garage and never get driven.

 

There's a problem with your drum brakes...

Because clearly disc brakes are superior and easier to maintain....ROFL.

OP sorry for the use of your thread for soapboxing....












Check brake pins, caliper pistons, front brake lines and master cylinder I would.

when you replaced pads, did you possibly screw up the piston when you pushed it back in with your favorite tool? Did you relieve pressure on the reservoir cap for fluid expansion? Did you re bleed brakes after? Don't wanna suck up rusty bits back into the master cylinder.

 

Similarly, I have one front disc brake sticking. No smoke but I could feel the truck "dragging". I jacked it up - it doesn't spin freely
but it's not STUCK. Bad line? It just started about a week ago, but I did get new tires. No other work done.

 

My first check is always rusty/binding caliper pins.

 

Did you try to adjust the push rod under the dash between the pedal arm & push rod? There has to be clearance there between the two, or if the pedal arm is resting on the rod (pedal return spring broken) you will get the pressure build-up you're describing

 

I saw that in a YouTube video. I couldn't get the bolts out so I spray them with PB Blaster every morning and I'll try to get them out this weekend when I have a few hours to dedicate to it. Thanks.

 

Nice call, and simple too.