I have a 1985 GT that I am having a problem with the right front caliper not releasing all the way. It comes and goes. The question I have is does the caliper need to be replaced or is there a lubricant that will help free it up. If it does need to be replaced do you need to replace both front calipers or just the one I am having problems with. If this has already been discussed here just point me in the right direction. Thanks for any help !

Chances are all you need to do is relube the slides. Any parts store will have it.

Could also be the rubber o-ring seals for the slide that fit just inside the caliper. New ones should come with new calipers, but I think you can buy them seperately.

If you decide it's time for new calipers, I'd recommend replacing both at the same time when possible.

[This message has been edited by Tigger (edited 07-31-2001).]

Thanks Tigger; I will try to relube them first.

When you say the caliper is sticking do you mean that the caliper will not release or that when you let off the brake the wheel still drags somewhat?

If the caliper is not releasing at all you are probably due for a rebuild or possibly you have a collapsed hose to that caliper that is acting like a check valve.

If the brake drags after it is released then you could have stuck sliders. Look at the pads on that caliper and see if one pad is worn much more than the other. If so then you probably have stuck slider bolts.

The caliper is mounted to the spindle with two long bolts that have metal sleeves on them. The sleeves are supposed to slide inside of two rubber seals. This allows the caliper to center itself on the rotor as the brakes are applied. If they are stuck then the caliper will not center itself or it will not slide back when the brakes are released leaving one pad in contact with the rotor.

You can push the bolts out of the sleeves in the caliper using a small socket and a c-clamp or channel locks. Once the bolts/sleeves are out you can gently pry out the rubber seals. If they are damaged you can get replacements at AutoZone, etc for a few bucks per wheel. Clean up the black gunk from the bore and the sleeves, lube the seals and sleeves and put everything back together again. If the pads are worn unevenly replace them.

Hope this helps,

Carroll

I realise it might insult your intelligence a little to say this, but posted for the benefit of any lurkers who might hear the word "lube"...

USE ONLY HIGH TEMPRATURE SILICONE BRAKE COMPONENTS LUBE!@!! IF it does not cost $15-20 for a tiny bottle, it is the WRONG STUFF!

It's probally your slider pins, but the caliper may be damaged too. rotors and pads *must* be changed at this time, and I would re-do the slider pins on both sides. just in case. If that does not help, new calipers (plural, the only thing more dangerous than ineffective braking is biased ineffective braking :))

Best!
Ben.

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Ben Cannon
88 Formula, T-top Metalic Red
88 Formula, Silver
87 Coupe, Metalic Red
"Every Man Dies, not every man really Lives"
-Mel Gibson, "Braveheart"

The lube they give ya will more likely be red and comes in a small ketchup looking packet.

hehe... not Heinz ketchup packets.

Yes, thx artherd, the lube I'm refering to is not just any lube, but high temp silicone brake lube.

I had a similar problem... https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/009747.html
I horned out the cylinders and replaced the seals. They worked fine now...

Thanks all; I really appreciate all the info.

Atherd, I don't where you are buying your brake lube but they're ripping you off. I paid $7 for a tube at discount auto for silicone brake lube. You may want to shop around next time to see if you can beat that $15 price.