Stuck rear disk brakes
#1
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Stuck rear disk brakes
Both brakes seem to be stuck on the minivan after leaving it sit for 10 days. It has been sticking, I've just been putting off the repair. I'd just like to be able to limp it over to the shop to have the repairs done. Any advice on how to free up the back wheels so I can get rolling again. PS we don't use the parking brake - so I doubt that's the problem. Oh, and also I tried to take a back wheel off but no go. I'm a victim of the air ratchet and can't get the lugs loose with a T-handle. ugh.
#2
Both brakes seem to be stuck on the minivan after leaving it sit for 10 days. It has been sticking, I've just been putting off the repair. I'd just like to be able to limp it over to the shop to have the repairs done. Any advice on how to free up the back wheels so I can get rolling again. PS we don't use the parking brake - so I doubt that's the problem. Oh, and also I tried to take a back wheel off but no go. I'm a victim of the air ratchet and can't get the lugs loose with a T-handle. ugh.
personally, never had this trouble, esp only after "10 days sitting in the parking lot", must have been something else going on for long time. i'd assume, your brake piston stuck in caliper, if you do not use parking brake. disassemble the brakes, meaning - remove the wheel, remove caliper studs, and remove caliper. you will need a large C-clamp. secure caliper on top of the hub/rotor, place a brake pad friction material against piston, clamp c-clamp so that the flat metal piece is behind the caliper body, and start screwing piston into the caliper. remove master cylinder cap beforehand so that nothing prevents backflow. probably, try spraying Quickwrench on the piston perimeter, to losen it up.
if i were you, before attempting to "limp" anywhere, i'd gently press on brake pedal, to extend piston maybe halfway, WD40 or Quickwrench the sidewalls, press it back in again, and do so maybe dozen times, untill it moves more or less freely. you can't really drive otherwise, or it'll seeze your rear brakes again. be careful, as you can press piston out completely, and after that it's a total mess.
just came back at me - you might have some of the dust boot stuck between piston and bore. sounds impossible, but my certified DIYfer educator, 87 ford taurus, had that happen.
#3
if you set the caliper back on the rotor before pressing on the brake pedal you can not over extend the piston. the rotor will stop it. Usually a stuck piston means it is warped or rusted from contaminated brake fluid.
#4
speedwrench is also correct about bad fluid. i just did not want to mention bleeding, as it all becomes overwhelming for a rookie.
basically, it's a great example of what happens if a car gets neglected on proper maintenance. just like they say - you can pay now, or you WILL PAY later.