Soma07

So here's my setup:

'04 C5Z06

- AC Delco Durastop Rotors
- ATE Type 200 Brake Fluid
- Quantum Brake duct kit
- Raybestos ST43 pads
- Stock everything else

The issue is after running for two days at Sebring the front brakes are dragging a bit. With the car off the ground I can still turn the wheel by hand but it takes considerably more effort than it should. The rears are fine FWIW.

At first I suspected a piston or two was stuck but I was able to push them back into their bores without much effort. I "cycled" the pistons on both sides by retracting them fully, then going for a short drive so they extended back into their usual positions. No change, still dragging.

I also tried opening one of the bleeders in case the system was maintaining some kind of residual pressure but I barely got a trickle out of it.

The wheel bearings are fine. The rotor spins quite easily with the caliper off.

I will say I got the calipers pretty hot despite the brake ducts. To the point where the red powdercoating is starting to discolor and turn brown.

Has anyone seen this before?

Thanks!

UstaB-GS549

Both fronts?

If you let it set for a while, do the brakes release completely? If they do it could be a collapsed hose. OEM hoses?

Does it grab differently rotating forward or reverse?

Soma07

Thanks for the response.

Both fronts. It's the same forward or reverse.

Doesn't matter how long I wait, they don't change. Hot or cold doesn't matter either.

It could be the hoses but it would be one hell of a coincidence if they both failed at the same time.

RX-Ben

Are you using the OEM pad spring things (that fit around where the pad sits in the caliper)?
Did you need to jam the pads in place initially or did they go in relatively easily?

Soma07

Yes, I am. But the pads go in pretty easy. I don't think they're causing them to stick or anything.

sperkins

Remove the springs and see if the problem still occurs.

froggy47

Fulton 1

Guide pins in good shape and lubed? Lube on the contact areas between pad backing plate and caliper "springs"? Obvious, I know, but hadn't seen it asked so...

Soma07

Thanks for the help everyone!

I checked and the guide pins move freely and aren't stuck.

I'll pull the pad springs/clips when I get a chance to see if that changes anything.

Do you guys normally remove them for track use?

froggy47

Wouldn't you get maximum "knock back" if they are out?

Soma07

I'm not sure what you mean.

My understanding is the clips/springs are there just to keep the pads from rattling around in their bracket when going over bumps and such.

I don't see how they would affect pad knock back at all.

froggy47

While the primary cause of knock back is deflection rotor vs caliper pushing the pistons back, I would think having the pads all loose and banging around in the caliper could add incrementally to knock back.

Just a theory, I use the clips.

Try it & let us know how it works.