Here's my brake problem & plans to fix it. Please let me know if I'm on the right track

Problem:

Left front caliper is sticking every now & then. When I apply the brakes harder than normal (ie: someone cut you off) the caliper won't release fully. I can feel the car pulling to the left, when I park, I can smell the hot brake pads. In fact, have seen them smoking. It is taking longer to stop, so it's time to take action.

The 88 Formula has 105k miles on it.

The plan to fix:

1. Order from www.CalpersOnline.com , front & rear loaded caliper sets

Loaded 1988 Front $ 125.00 (no core charge)


Loaded 1988 Rear $ 150.00 ( $200 core charge )


2. Order from Advanced Auto Left & right brake line (p/n H38653 & H38644)


3. Order from www.Fierostore.com (4) 1988 rotors


Would you all do anything different ? I've seen posts about using front calpers on rear. Not sure I want to get rid of E-brake.

( Not looking to spend ton''s of money - Hey, I'm a Fiero owner)

[This message has been edited by CoolBlue87GT (edited 07-13-2008).]

Looks like you have everything covered, new calipers and hoses all around.
Be sure to flush your system out and get rid of all the old junk in the lines and master.

That looks good. Looks like you have everything covered.

It sounds like just a rubber line and maybe the caliper slides need to be greased. You can try that fix for under 50 bucks (new line and pads), before spending all of that.

I would change the brake hose to that caliper first. I suspect that it is collapsing internally and acting as a check valve on release. If it's still got the original hoses all around it would be good to change them all. Indy resto's recommendation about flushing the brake fluid is deffinitly a good idea.

Start with the brake hoses first. It is likely the cause. A lot chaeper than replacing everything. If the brakes are worn out, then do everything.

The only thing I would have changed is to get stainless steel brake lines. $100 for a full set is cheap and is the same or just a little more than the stock rubber lines.

105k miles & your caliper has been sticking to the point of the brake pads smoking, I would take a real close look at that bearing hub. That much heat could have cooked the grease and the bearings might fail. I know the '88 front is a sealed hub but you can check it for play, unusual noises and see if it rotates smoothly. It's probably going to be a more of a judgment call on your part. If you have the $$$ just put a new hub on it, at least on that one side. My '86 rear caliper froze and the heat ruined the bearing hub.

Mike

If you're going to go that far, replace all four hoses, and replace the metal lines too. Fiero Store sells prebent stainless ones. Ebrake cables might be good too unless they work fine already.

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1984 Fiero SE

My 2cents....grease the caliper slides, use high temp brake grease. Dry slides can cause exactly what You describe....pad dragging/hanging up. Follow the Other advice given here also, but the 1st thing I'd do is grease the slides and if that fixes Your hanging pad then all You're out is the cost of the grease and pads.

quote Here's my brake problem & plan to fix. Your advise ?

Unload the shotgun.

quote Originally posted by spark1: Unload the shotgun.

Exactly! The problem is the left front caliper sticking. Focus on fixing that first. Replace the left front brake hose. Rebuild or replace the left front caliper. Replace the front pads (both left and right). Be sure that the slider pins are free and properly lubricated.

Don't complicate your life (and lighten your wallet) by "fixing" things that don't need fixing yet. Once your left front caliper problem is fixed, then maybe you can consider replacing other things ... one at a time.

[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 07-13-2008).]

Thanks guys for the help.

Will start by changing both brake hoses first & see what condition both rotors & pads are in.
Then grease the caliper slides and see if that fixes the problem.

Also will check the hubs, the smoking I saw was only twice, for a short period of time, (city driving).

Let you know what we find.

Since you're going to have to open up the hydraulic lines whatever you do, let me suggest that you replace the standard bleeder screws with Speed-Bleeders or Solo-Bleeds. (I prefer the Solo-Bleeds from Earl's for their slightly better resistance to clogging, but either type will do the job.) For a small additional cost, they make it a lot easier to bleed the calipers and hoses quickly and effectively. I also recommend that you always cap the bleeder screws when you're through, not only to keep out dirt but to prevent corrosion as well.

125 for the loaded calipers is a bit pricey...I ordered both my fronts loaded from Auto Part International for 66 a piece. Both are Cardone brand with semi metallic pads. and the rotors are only 25 a piece through them. Gave me extra cash to order the KYB shocks at 20 a piece for GR2's

I had the same issue with the right front caliper (still do until I get time to get everything installed), but without the smoking. Takes much longer to stop, seeing as I also need new pads on both sides...But I can hear the right front clicking when I brake

[This message has been edited by Xerces_Blackthorne (edited 07-13-2008).]

quote Originally posted by Xerces_Blackthorne: 125 for the loaded calipers is a bit pricey...I ordered both my fronts loaded from Auto Part International for 66 a piece.

Are you saying 66 a piece, is that a right & left for 66, or 132 for the pair ?

The one's I'm looking at are 125 for the right & left together.
http://www.calipersonline.c...n=VIEWPROD&ProdID=69
Detailed Description
Fiero 1988 Right and Left Front Calipers. These are OEM New Old Stock , not reman. Loaded with pads, and ready to bolt on.

quote Originally posted by RWDPLZ: If you're going to go that far, replace all four hoses, and replace the metal lines too. Fiero Store sells prebent stainless ones. Ebrake cables might be good too unless they work fine already.

much thruth to this. they are SHORT runs. like 2' & 4'. and - getting the old rubber ones off without breaking the metal line will be treat in itself - but - both of us are from the rust belt....

[This message has been edited by Pyrthian (edited 07-13-2008).]

quote Originally posted by Xerces_Blackthorne: 125 for the loaded calipers is a bit pricey...

The loaded front calipers from Calipersonline.com are actually brand new New Old Stock (NOS) from GM, right off the assembly line. They're not rebuilt or refurbished in any way.

FWIW...

JazzMan

** update **

Took the wheel off today & inspected the situation.

As photo's show, the slides were dry, & pads are about half way done.

Used a high temp lube on them. Will see if this works, will order hose next if needed.

quote Originally posted by 2farnorth: I would change the brake hose to that caliper first. I suspect that it is collapsing internally and acting as a check valve on release. If it's still got the original hoses all around it would be good to change them all. Indy resto's recommendation about flushing the brake fluid is deffinitly a good idea.

quote Originally posted by Electrathon: Start with the brake hoses first. It is likely the cause. A lot chaeper than replacing everything. If the brakes are worn out, then do everything.

quote Originally posted by Marvin McInnis: Exactly! The problem is the left front caliper sticking. Focus on fixing that first. Replace the left front brake hose. Rebuild or replace the left front caliper. Replace the front pads (both left and right). Be sure that the slider pins are free and properly lubricated. Don't complicate your life (and lighten your wallet) by "fixing" things that don't need fixing yet. Once your left front caliper problem is fixed, then maybe you can consider replacing other things ... one at a time.

You guy's were right. I changed out the hose, the brakes work fine now.



Thanks for the help !

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More photos, http://www.cardomain.com/ride/278279