How To Diagnose a Locked Up Brake Caliper and/or Dragging Brakes
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- Опубликовано: 25 сен 2018
- In this video I'll show you how to diagnose a locked up brake caliper and/or dragging brakes for one wheel. Usually, when brakes lock up on one wheel its caused by either a locked up caliper piston, stuck caliper slide pins, or a clogged flex hose going to the caliper. This video will give information on how to test each of these components in order to get a better idea of what is causing your brake problem.
!!Warning!! If your brakes are locked up its going to be very hot just after driving. The whole area that is affected is going to be very hot. Let the vehicle cool down before attempting to diagnose the problem. Don't touch a hot rotor or any hot brake component! Injury can occur. An infrared thermometer would be suggested to verify that the area is cool enough to work on.
Note: This video is designed to only diagnose brakes locked up on one single wheel. If your brakes are locking up on more than one wheel this video may help you but may not help you with all possible causes of your symptom.
Note: when collapsing a caliper piston on a caliper with more than one piston as shown at the 2:55 mark use care not to allow the other piston or pistons (calipers can come equipped with one, two, or even more pistons) to be pushed out by the build up of pressure inside the caliper. Notice the brake pad in the video is being used to prevent this from happening. If the opposite piston were to start to move outward, when using the method shown, then try bracing the piston using some other method to prevent it from coming out. You don't want your piston to be pushed out all the way. This can cause damage and brake fluid leaks.
Also, if any air has gotten into the system during testing, which is entirely possible, then you will need to bleed the system of air. And, it should go without saying, but I’ll say it. Everything that was loosened or taken off during testing will need to be reinstalled and tightened down properly.
At about the 1:59-2:35 mark I discus how the piston is supposed to retract back into the piston bore because of a seal inside the piston bore. If the piston is seized up on the bore then this seal will not be able to pull the piston back. The test we perform by compression the piston back into the caliper is meant to check to see if the piston is seized in the caliper bore which would prevent the seal from pulling the piston back....Just in case that needed clarification.
Also, for rear brakes, problems with the parking brake system could lead to rear brakes locking up on one or both sides of the vehicle. This video is not meant to aid in diagnosis of such situations. There is also a very small chance that air in the brake system could cause a caliper to lock up. This is very rare.... so rare that I've never seen it. This video is also not designed to diagnose a case such as this.
This video is also not intended to assist in diagnosis of drum brakes.
Here are links to other great videos that may help you!
Four Ways to Collapse a Caliper Piston
• Four Ways to Collapse ...
How to collapse/ compress a twist in rear brake caliper
• How to Collapse/ Compr...
Brakes Metal to Metal?
• Metal to Metal Brakes?...
How to bleed brakes using the buddy system
• How To Bleed Brakes Wi...
Here is a link to a video that features a locked up caliper caused by a clogged flex hose: • Locked Up Caliper By C...
Disclaimer:
Barbour's Auto Help is not responsible for any damage or personal injury incurred in the process of performing any auto repairs done by you the viewer. Auto repair and diagnostics are very dangerous. Repair and diagnose your vehicle at your own risk. It is the viewers responsibility to verify all information and procedures as outlined in YOUR REPAIR MANUAL AND OWNERS MANUAL FOR YOUR VEHICLE. Owning and using a repair manual suited for your vehicle is essential for correctly and safely performing ANY repair to your vehicle. Always wear safety glasses and heed all instructions for use applicable to any piece of equipment you may use. Also, I make no guarantee that the information given in this video is completely accurate for all situations and applications. I also make no guarantee that you will make a proper diagnosis for your problem by using this video. Use the information found in this video at your own risk. 
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I love how you start the video right away. No BS, no life story unrelated to the problem, no obnoxious intro montage.
I appreciate that! Some of my earlier stuff has all that. I've learned. I'm glad you like it.
@@BarboursAutoHelp Replacing front calipers...video link comes up private when I click.
I'll look into it. Thanks
I deleted the link. Thanks for the heads up.
@@BarboursAutoHelp :(, but thanks
Our time is very precious , that's why i prefer to watch videos like this no channel intro, no blah blah blah just direct to the point clear and easy to understand good job sir.
Best line of the video was “my brakes aren’t bad but I’m just doing this to show you”. Thanks for taking the time and breaking it down for us. Very detailed and lots of pointers. Very helpful again thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
"breaking it down" good pun!
I wish all the videos for auto repairs were like this one.
You covered every detail without all the bullshit. Short, sweet, and right straight to it. Very descriptive both visual and verbal.
You saved the day. Thank you
This worked on my 08' Titan. My flex hose was twisted up. On my test drive in the snow/ice after changing my pads, one wheel was locked up. You're a badass 🏆
Excellent observation, Thank YOU! You are clearly a teacher, and NOT here to stroke your ego. You Tube needs more good friends like you, Sir!
Thanks for commenting! Glad to help.
Great Video! Helped me diagnose my Jeep Wrangler Brake. No Caliper replacement like EVERYONE told me.... Flex Brake Line. Your video was awesome, straight to the point with diagnosis... Thank you
Truly the only vid that gives you a step by step introduction and diagnosis for your brakes. I had major problems with my brakes and mostly everyone had an idea but this video gave me everything I needed..
I have seen many videos on RUclips about maintenance on my Jeep for many issues and I really have to say this is the most detailed and step by step hands on information I have seen on RUclips.It was so helpful and what I really like is he didn’t even have certain issues but he walked you through different situations you may be having.thumbs up here great job thank you.
My front brakes on my 2004 Chevy Suburban have locked up and I have gone through 3 sets of pads 3 calipers to try and fix it. This is a super big help to diagnose the issue futher past what I know to do! Awesome video! Thank you!
Excellent video! You don’t mess around and talk about how your day is going or what happened last year etc. straight to the point and as much as I hate to say this… you can understand every word spoken! Awesome job!
Great video sir. Very informative, I just replaced the front caliper and bracket for my neighbor to help him out, his wife drove the car home and smoke was coming from the right front tire. I took off the caliper after we threw cold water on the rotor and caliper to cool it down on 2010 Dodge Journey 4Cyl. There's was no way to collapse the piston it was seized. I sent him to the auto part store and he got a new caliper and bracket I installed it bled the line went on test drive with him everything was good. 1/2 hour later he calls me and says the same wheel is locked up again ! So I will check the flexible brake line as you showed on your video. I have 3 cars and have done all the brakes on them , Never have I come across this problem! Thanks a bunch.
My girlfriend is having the same issue on her Audi TT. Front right tire was smoking and the car was knocking once we hit 60mph. We’re you able to find the clog?
Finally, a no BS, go into details video. Well Done Sir.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent video. So nicely explained with so many minor details. Surfed through over 10 videos to understand how to diagnose my locked up brakes, none were as helpful as this.
Thank you, I am not sure it will fix my problem... but you definitely gave me some things to rule out! This video was done very well! Best one I have seen for my grinding issue troubleshooting.
This is really excellent. I'd never heard of a blocked hose, but sure enough that was what I had. You saved me a lot of trial and error. Many thanks for providing this information!
No problem. Thanks for commenting.
Your level of detail in the video and description is outstanding. Thank you for taking the time to be that detailed.
Glad it was helpful!
I have looked at many videos on RUclips about the brakes This is the best video that I have seen he gets right to the point he does not waste time he tells you what's going on thank you
This is by far one of the best troubleshooting videos I've ever seen on RUclips you even walk through it in the description. C'mon folks if any video on this platform deserves a subscription it's this one.👏
Wow, thanks!
My problem was explained at about 6:30 in the video. The pads were stuck in the slides at top and bottom. A little grinding of the tabs at the top and bottom of each pad and they now move freely in the slots. I wouldn't have thought about this had I not watched this video. Thanks Barbours!
Thank you for this, you make this so easy and understandable.
My brakes are seizing up and it turns out the caliper pins are crusty and the lines need to be bled
Great video! You explained so clearly how to deal with my problem. I've replaced the rotors and calipers earlier than I think I should and you might have helped to explain why. I can't wait to check my brakes with your method.
Great video! Straightforward, clear, and concise. Thank you!
I think this is what's going on with my 2014 Subaru Impreza. I've been trying to get the issue of a a Feeling "Dragging, rubbing, loping, steering wheel issue diagnosed for over two years. I have damn near replaced the entire suspension system!
In terms of an auto repair/ diagnostic video, this was done well. straight to the point listed all the probable causes and showed where they were. good job man
You saved me a lot of money and time thank you for putting this video out. My truck break froze up in a major roadway I checked the problems you showed and it was the slide bolt that was frozen I pried it out with a screwdriver and sprayed a can of break cleaner on it that fixed the problem and I was on my way thank you very much. Very helpful and your video was straight to the point.
Awesome!
Thanks man. I'm currently having this issue on my 2005 Honda Accord. Out of nowhere it started grinding and pulling to the right. No warning whatsoever. I jacked it up and the tire wouldn't turn. To make matters worse, the very next day my girlfriend was driving home from work and the alternator belt came off our 2002 Honda Accord. Didn't break and I didn't see any imperfections in the belt. When it rains it pours. Stay blessed!
Spot on with hose being bad. Locking up even after replacing caliper. Replaced hose and problem resolved. Thanks for great troubling shooting help...
after watching 7 videos I can say this one is the best get to the point quick..Thank you for sharing your knowledge
Thank you for your demonstration and easy way of explaining brakes and possible reasons as to what could be wrong. I have a much better understanding of why I am coming to a sliding and hopeful stop after having them worked on.
Well done, thorough to the point, good teaching, no messing around. Thank you, I learned a lot from your video how to check and rule out.
Hey my rear brake pads are getting worn out rather quickly... like way fast .. love this video ..just wondering you got any quick ideas? Thx bud...new sub
Good work. Nice to get a multi point analysis of the components of the front brake system and how to be sure they are working right!
Thanks 👍
Hey.... You have 108 guys that are not sure where their hood release is. Wonder what rocks these guys crawl out of to give you negative feed back. Thanks for a great video
One of the best videos on dragging brakes/Frozen Calipers! Thanks for the detailed video!
Wow, thanks!
Very good educational video you’ve explained the operation of the disc brake pads perfectly there are many mechanics out there who don’t understand how the brakes work. If you see that one pad is almost flat worn out and the other one is still in great shape you need more than new brakes I’ve always cleaned and lubricated the slides even before they invented those stainless steel clips and yeah I put a little bit of never sees on the clips to old habits die hard! Great job very educational video❤️🔥🇺🇸
Man you have made one of the best fix it videos I've ever watched.
Clear and informative, well done
Thank you for being very specific. Looks very helpful. I am sure that I’ll be able to solve my problem when I’ll get to my trailer. Thank you
I normally do not comment on these type of videos. However, you deserve a thumbs up. Humble, to the point, simple and clear. Great job mate...:)
HD wow , so CLEAR! And easy to follow video,Thank You!
Thank you!
Exactly the info I needed to diagnose my rear brakes. Informative and to the point. Great video. Thank you!
Glad it helped
Understand this clearly..I'm female, and although we are quite intelligent..somehow this oil, iron metals and dirt, proceedure required on repair to cars, gets complicated ..you explain it so neatly, I got it..can now go to mechanic , armed with some knowledge...👍
Glad to help.
Great description and troubleshooting advice.
_Your demeanor is quite soothing..._
_...You are the Bob Ross of Mechanics!_
Now that is the second time I've gotten that comment! That is a fantastic comment! Thanks a bunch. Bob is my hero!
@@BarboursAutoHelp I thank you for responding I really do mean it. I was stressed out having this issue just happened tonight and found your video this is going to help more than you can imagine, and I thank you again.
Whether you meant it or not I'm gonna believe it....even if it makes me a delusional person. 😆
@@BarboursAutoHelp 😂 👍
One of the best videos of any kind on RUclips, esp. for this topic.
Wow! Thank you so much for that compliment.
Great video man I love that you don't waste any time with any BS and all of your info is solid and easy to follow. Thanks for the tutorial
Outstanding DIY inspection for brake problems I!
Thanks
I think you my guy. You helped me find my problem with my woman's truck.
Glad to hear this!
Very well explained without being redundant. Thanks for the info.
6:06 slide pins a bit stiff after recent heat surge here in Florida along with brakes locking up. Thanks for the video, diagnosing now.
Excellent video, very well filmed and informative 👌🏻👏
Some years back, one side of the front wheel was locked up in my minivan. I replaced the caliper and hose, and it was still locked up. I ended up replacing the master cylinder, which solved the problem. I still don't know why only one side was hanging up though, but, anyway, a fantastic video.
It was the soft line on mine! Amazed that did it. Soon as I released the pressure at the bleeder, the caliper released.
Thanks for the short and simple tips.
You bet!
best video I have seen explaining how the calipers and slide pins, thanks!
Best Educational video I’ve seen about. Brakes yet Great job helped a lot !!
Thanks
Terrific video !! Very informative and I've worked on quite a few different brake systems.
straight forward, very informative and very easy to understand. Excellent Video !!!!
Thank you so much for the video👍 New calibres and brakes, got a problem with one wheel, 2500 Dodge diesel. Fully I can fix it this weekend
Thank you for this awesome instructional video! Great job!👍
I agree really educational,got down to the point,explained each scenario and the fact you had nothing wrong with your brakes but made videos and took apart your car just to help us out definitely subscribing thanks
Excellent review, I'm going to try this tonight after work on my Toyota Celica
Good video!
Some aftermarket brake pads need some grinding along the edges of the metal backing to keep them from sticking (not sliding) in the caliper mount.
So informative and helpful thanks!
Thank you for making a nice easy detailed video. I seized up a brake while on a trail and was terrified I mangled my wheel bearing. Hoping the heat didn’t cause everything to need to be replaced but this will make step 1 of my diagnosis 100 time easier. Again thank you
Very helpful. Excellent detail.
Great video, perfect explanation. Thanks!
Awesome video, very clear and easy to understand
Awesome video. Very informative and right to the point. Thank you 😊
Thank you for sharing the video. It's greatly appreciated to know that someone actually cares about the braking systems of a vehicle. Your descriptions are to the point with no run around thank you again.
Appreciate how you get right to the point, Thanks so much!
Excellent explanation....very professional video....wow it is amazing how much you know about breaks, Im a new subscriber now ...thank you for doing this.
Thanks for the info on flex hose...
Fantastic. Nice and simple, with a great explanation
Very well done video, I suspected a bad hose so have these to replace now.
Sorry it took so long to get back. So I changed out everything but the 2 front caliper hoses because the front brakes were fine. The back brakes were wearing out in less than 10,000 miles so I changed the brake fluid 2 times. 2 complete flushes and that seems to have worked. Got over 10,000 miles now on back brakes. Fluid didn`t look too bad but it must have been contaminated with moisture. Brakes pedal even feels better now. Thanks for all the help.
Thank god I came across this video. Been trying to figure why my brake is dragging. I cleaned and and re lubed the pins and mounting points and it’s still locking up. All the brake lines are original on my 2005 explorer so this must be the problem. Thanks bud!
Glad to help!
This video was very informative on my current brake issue. Thank you
Great to hear!
This is a GREAT video! I hate when ppl 👎🏽 Just to be negative! Thanks again!!
Wow thank you! This is the most informative video I’ve seen on the matter. Surprised it doesn’t have more likes! Totally subscribed!
Thanks!
I agree with you!!
thank u, I'm having the same exact prob with my brakes, I put a new hose on there, but might have pinched it when I raised the caliber up. but I need to go the diagnosis from ur video. great video. keep up the great work!!!!
Thnx
That’s was great information I need help diagnosing a brake lock up with a 2013 Chevy spark!🙇🏻♂️
Best caliper diagnostic video. Thank you
Hey thank you!
Great video. To the point and very helpful. Thank you
Thanks for an exellent explanation. The breaks on my car seized today while driving. I have to take my car to a mechanic somehow.
Glad it helped
thank you for the upload I learned significant amount of info!
This is a very good, clear video. Much better than average. Thanks .
Absolutely
I figured It would end up being the hose. I had A GMC before doing the same thing. Thank you for the clarity.
No problem
Great job. Thank you.
Excellent tutorial.
Great job and kept it simple and thank you
Great video and thanks for posting, I always open the bleeder valve when collapsing the piston, the caliper is the lowest point in the brake circuit and sediment and water will collect here as they are heavier than brake fluid, you do not want to push that junk back up into the ABS module or master cylinder or you could have problems, brake fluid should only go one way. You want to push all that out and let clean fluid go back in which will prevent any rust on the piston and bore. You can also test the brake hose by pumping the pedal a few times then open the bleeder screw, if fluid comes out under pressure the brake hose is restricted and acting like a check valve.
Very helpful video, thanks.
Great video and information! Straight to the point!!
Too simple when explained. I barely made it home. Watched your video and found the hose to be the problem. THANKS!!!
Very cool!!
Great video and explanation. Step by step. Well explained and to the point. This is by far one of the best instructional videos I have seen yet.
Glad it was helpful!
@@BarboursAutoHelp I had replaced the front hoses, didn't work. Replaced the master cylinder, didn't work. So I found your video, replaced the calipers, and it works. New rotors and pads last November. Thanks again.
Very clear and precise information, thank you!
Thanks
Thank you for an excellent absolutely excellent video. You seem to be so patient a great teacher you are. ✌️
Great video, very good information
amazing video. very informative , lots of info. keep up the great work
Yes, good video. I have a lot of experience working on cars, but not steadily, so I need these kinds of videos to remind me about specifics. I might not work on brakes for up to several years at a time.