Reducing the speed of a vehicle is important in keeping the drivers safe. The most common issue that can happen to it is both front brake calipers not releasing.
Knowing the causes and symptoms can help you diagnose the problem and think of a solution. Let’s read more to know what you can do with a stuck caliper.
Both Brake Calipers Not Releasing – What Is The Cause?
Both front brake calipers not releasing means you have difficulty driving your vehicle at your intended speed, and the car might pull to one side.
The main culprit is dust build-up, aging, and rusting. The problem is not too common, but it’s still something you should notice to avoid it happening.
The ripped rubber brake hose of the piston will make the dust and debris come inside the calipers, lowering the sliding ability of the piston.
Thus, brakes will not release. The problem can also come from the bad hose, leading to the piston being filled with fluid and the brake caliper not releasing.
Furthermore, the caliper slide is also what causes brake calipers not to release.
If there is corrosion or debris, the brake pads will not slide out of the grooves when you take your foot off the pedal, and the brake might make a squeaky sound. Therefore, you will feel the calipers sticky.
When the new pads are installed, the rubber layer in charge of keeping the lubricant inside the bolts can be torn accidentally.
As a result, the lubricant spills out, making the bolts dry and the new brake caliper not releasing.
What Are The Symptoms?
Car Pulls To One Side
When you experience both front brake calipers not releasing, you may feel your car is unbalanced.
For example, when your front right brake sticking, you can sense your car is slightly pulled to the right. This pulling tendency is identical to a bad alignment but more serious.
Car Slow Down By Itself
One more symptom that shows your brakes seem to be sticking is the slow movement of the car even when you don’t press on the pedal.
When you have the exact issue, your pads are connected with the rotors unstopping.
Thus, your car seems down on power as if you are slowing down to stop. In the worst case, your car might shut off when you pressed the brakes gently.
The Wheels Get Hot
Brakes not disengaging can make the wheels get hot. Since constant pressure is applied on the pad, it creates friction to the brake rotor. In turn, this metal-to-metal contact excesses lots of heat.
The longer you drive with the front brakes not releasing, the hotter the wheels will be. The wheels may encounter the wear issue as well. It’s one sign of both front brake calipers not releasing.
Gas Mileage Issue
Brake caliper dragging can also be tracked by looking at the gas mileage. More fuel is required as a result of unintended stopping action.
The car needs to keep its speed as the caliper brakes not releasing on one side, thus consuming more gas.
You may also notice the pedal linkage as it is not coming up when you move your foot from it. It’s because the vacuum booster and air valve can not be in the proper position.
How To Fix When Both Front Brake Calipers Not Releasing?
Unstick The Calipers
If the cause of your front brakes sticking is the pads or cables, the solution is quite straightforward. Smearing the system with oil will ease the problem.
Should your issue be a skewed pad, applying lubricant can fix it. When your pads stick to the disc brake, separate them, resurface the disc and change the pads.
To deal with caliper slide pins or damaged caliper pistons, usually, you need a C-clamp to create force and shrink the pad.
For seized caliper pistons, unstick the bad caliper, and press on the pedal position so the pistons can pass the corroded part. After that, assemble each compartment again.
Rebuild Or Replace The Calipers
You have freed the stuck calipers, but the situation is not better? Then the problem lies in the corroded caliper piston or caliper slide pin set. You can choose to buy a new caliper or rebuild it to save money.
The rebuild option is worth trying when the corrosion is not too bad. The process requires reassembling, cleaning, and replacing the rubber components or pistons.
You may need a tool called cylinder hone to assist you in cleaning the bore in the caliper.
When you have terrible brake drag, you can purchase a second-hand one and change the new seals, for example, the master cylinder pushrod seal.
Depending on the root of your problem, you may also need to purchase the replacement caliper slide pin.
However, sometimes, a used caliper is worse than yours. Besides, if the price for a brand new is affordable, consider that option when your caliper does not release.
Tips And Tricks To Prevent The Situation
If you take care of your mechanism regularly, you are less likely to face the problem of both front brake calipers not releasing. Here are some common things you can do to avoid the issue.
Clean The Caliper
Knowing how the braking system works and cleaning all of its parts is highly recommended.
When you replace the brake discs or pads, you’d better clean the pistons, guide pins, etc.; or you should do it regularly every 5-6 months.
You need to check whether all the seals are in their places when cleaning. If you detect any loose signs or damaged seals, it’s necessary to replace them right away to avoid the problem of breaks not releasing.
Frequently Replace The Fluid
Time by time, the water in the fluid is built and can make the inner components corrode. It will affect the stopping efficiency and create a rush in the piston.
Check the fluid level and replace the fluid every 1-3 years if you don’t want the brakes sticking. Cleaning the dry brake fluid can save you a lot of future jobs.
Stay Away From Aggressive Driving Style
Another way to assist you in getting rid of brakes not releasing pressure is to take care of the way you drive.
Avoiding aggressive driving means you should not start and stop suddenly. It can prevent the overheating risk for your parking system.
Conclusion
If your car pulls to one side when you reduce the speed or feel the burning smell from the wheel, calm down and stop the vehicle.
It can be because both front brake calipers not releasing. The best you can do is call a repair shop to help and consult you with the solutions.
You can also prevent the situation from happening if you apply one of our above tips. Taking care of the system is never too late.
We hope our guideline is helpful for you.