1987 Brake Problem
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
1987 Brake Problem
I have an '87 that has a brake problem no one can fix.
LF caliper is dragging and car is pulling to left when off the brakes.
Apply the brakes and car darts to the right. Parts changed so far are:
LF caliper(2x), both front hoses, new pads, new ABS hydraulic unit,
new master, air blown through line. At wits end. Help.
LF caliper is dragging and car is pulling to left when off the brakes.
Apply the brakes and car darts to the right. Parts changed so far are:
LF caliper(2x), both front hoses, new pads, new ABS hydraulic unit,
new master, air blown through line. At wits end. Help.
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Originally Posted by ELF
Rotor's been cut.
Caliper won't release even with wheels off.
Caliper won't release even with wheels off.
seeya
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Left brake caliper is frozen.
Won't retract from rotor, so it pulls to the left while driving..
Won't grab the rotor, so only the right brakes works 100% during braking.
Won't retract from rotor, so it pulls to the left while driving..
Won't grab the rotor, so only the right brakes works 100% during braking.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 721
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From: Charlotte NC, behind someone going 10 under the speed limit
I've seen a crushed steel line(on the frame) in rare cases from a mechanic prying against it or something, maybe during another repair. I doubt there's a line lock added to the car, one did something like this to me.
I think its safe to say most mechanics dont know a corvette from a VW bug 
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 688
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From: Concord NC
hey man sorry i didnt mean to offend you i said "MOST" mechanics are stupid and rip people off. I have no experience with your work but since your a forum member and own a vette i assume highly of your work. 
Sorry for the misunderstanding. 
Sorry for the misunderstanding.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,111
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From: My redneck of the woods louisiana
it's cool i figured it was a generalization and i will agree with you on that there are alot of mechanics that are a ripoff
as for elfs problem i am thinking there is a blockage somewhere
could it maybe be a defective ABS pump
as for elfs problem i am thinking there is a blockage somewhere
could it maybe be a defective ABS pump
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,336
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From: Central Maryland
Originally Posted by CentralCoaster
Left brake caliper is frozen.
Won't retract from rotor, so it pulls to the left while driving..
Won't grab the rotor, so only the right brakes works 100% during braking.
Won't retract from rotor, so it pulls to the left while driving..
Won't grab the rotor, so only the right brakes works 100% during braking.
Raise the car, remove the wheel, and verify that the brake is still dragging. If so, open the bleeder screw. If the brake still does not release, it's a problem in the caliper, or something mechanical associated with the mounting and/or action of the caliper and/or pads, and should be easy to identify and solve.
Be well,
SJW
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 541
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From: Kalama WA
Originally Posted by jackdaroofer
Might be a brake hose problem! A delaminated left front hose can cause the caliper to stick and then when you apply the brakes. block fluid from the left front
seeya
seeya
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Take the brake hose off the caliper and what does the fluid do? Does it dribble out or does it flow out?If it dribbles out,theres a blockage somewhere either in the line or the hose somewhere.(I seen it was replaced but doesnt mean much since new parts can be defective as well)
If the hose leaks out alot of fluid,what does the caliper do? Can you compress the caliper? Will the piston go back inside the bore with ease of either a tool or large channel locks?
If Zero fluid comes out of the hose,what happens if you pump the brake pedal down,does fluid shoot out?
Sounds like there may be a restriction somewhere and these simple test can help narrow down where the problem is coming from.
If the hose leaks out alot of fluid,what does the caliper do? Can you compress the caliper? Will the piston go back inside the bore with ease of either a tool or large channel locks?
If Zero fluid comes out of the hose,what happens if you pump the brake pedal down,does fluid shoot out?
Sounds like there may be a restriction somewhere and these simple test can help narrow down where the problem is coming from.
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Originally Posted by ELF
LF caliper is dragging and car is pulling to left when off the brakes. Apply the brakes and car darts to the right.
Parts changed so far are:
LF caliper(2x)
both front hoses
new pads
new ABS hydraulic unit
new master
air blown through line.
Parts changed so far are:
LF caliper(2x)
both front hoses
new pads
new ABS hydraulic unit
new master
air blown through line.
I'd pull the wheel system apart and check each piece for freedom of binding. The caliper should move back and forth on the pins freely. Check pins and bores for scuffing and clean. The pads should float inside the calipers. A little work with a file to loosen the backing plates from dragging on the caliper housing. Press the pedal and ensure the piston is extending and retracting. You must be a pro at bleeding by now so its a moot point to ask if the brakes are bled properly.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
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I'm on Long Island,NY
The steel line was inspected and nothing was found. I can't find a replacement as I thought maybe it is partially blocked.
After bleeding the caliper will release. I notice when bleeding the quantity of fluid is less than the right front. Haven't pumped the pedal with the line off.
The steel line was inspected and nothing was found. I can't find a replacement as I thought maybe it is partially blocked.
After bleeding the caliper will release. I notice when bleeding the quantity of fluid is less than the right front. Haven't pumped the pedal with the line off.