Brake caliper starting to lock up?

[MSP2k3]

So i have noticed that my MSP doesn't roll as easily as it used to, so i checked the brakes after a drive and the front passenger side wheel well was noticeably warmer than the other 3. I can sort of smell it as well. Does this sound like my caliper isn't opening all the way? Could it be anything else? If it is a caliper, how would i be able to check for sure so I can order the right one?

Thanks in advance for the help, if it is the caliper, anyone have a recommendation on where to buy one for the best price?

 

[dmention7]

First thing I'd do is jack up the front end and see if that wheel spins freely. If not remove the wheel and look for signs that the caliper is locked up. If you can't tell, remove the two bolts that hold the caliper on, pull it off the wheel, and then see if you can manually retract the piston back into the caliper (remember to remove the cap on the brake fluid reservoir). It should take some force, but it should slide smoothly back in. I'd also check the caliper sliders and see if the two halves of the caliper slide apart and together smoothly--there shouldn't be much wobble. Look for torn boots on the caliper sliders.

Those are the things I can think of off the top of my head that would give away a bad caliper.

 

[rally2003]

When was the last time u changed your brakes/rotors? Like^he^said check the caliper over real good. Might just need some cleaning or brake lube.

 

[MSP2k3]

I just put new rotors and pads on within the last 2-3 months... i'll jack the car up and check those things listed... thanks!

 

[orng1]

Take it apart and see if it will move freely, bleed out the caliper and press it in as far as it will go.

 

[JDM Sam]

the piston is probably getting stuck. the dust seals if they are torn will let dirt into the piston. either get a rebuild kit or buy a new caliper or upgrade the whole system.

 

[vinnie mack]

the piston is probably getting stuck. the dust seals if they are torn will let dirt into the piston. either get a rebuild kit or buy a new caliper or upgrade the whole system.

yup I'm having the same problem right now. Passenger front caliper is dragging on the rotor. Piston does retract all the way back when forced but a wheel spin test shows it does not retract on it's own. After driving the rotor will be extremely ho compared to the others and the wheel will even be hot to the touh as well. I replaced the flex line, sadly though this wasn't the problem.

I am having issues finding a new caliper. Dealership is expensive as hell. If anyone has gotten good OEM replacement calipers let us know!

 

[JDM Sam]

you need the rebuild kit

 

[Matrix]

yup I'm having the same problem right now. Passenger front caliper is dragging on the rotor. Piston does retract all the way back when forced but a wheel spin test shows it does not retract on it's own. After driving the rotor will be extremely ho compared to the others and the wheel will even be hot to the touh as well. I replaced the flex line, sadly though this wasn't the problem.

I am having issues finding a new caliper. Dealership is expensive as hell. If anyone has gotten good OEM replacement calipers let us know!

PM me right away. I've got the best parts guy. I have the exact same problem you're having, front passenger side caliper. I just got an awesome deal on genuine Mazdaspeed caliper at a rock bottom price. I'll hook you up. (thumb)

 

[MSP2k3]

PM me right away. I've got the best parts guy. I have the exact same problem you're having, front passenger side caliper. I just got an awesome deal on genuine Mazdaspeed caliper at a rock bottom price. I'll hook you up. (thumb)

The place i take my car too said he could find an aftermarket replacement, so I will see what shows up. thanks for the response Sam and my problem is exactly as you described Vinnie Mack.

 

[speed1585]

this is funny lol... I am having the same exact issue on the front passenger side. my caliper sticks and my car starts shuddering like my alignment is way off, then it doesnt do it for a bit...

I just got a rebuild kit with the new seals. mine is torn pretty bad. last time it happened it was stuck badly and was smokin when i stopped. also got a caliper hardware kit that has new clips and sliders.

gonna do it this weekend. will post what the deal is.

Also i checked autozone, kragen, pepboys and a couple more websites and they all had the replacment caliper. autozone has one that looks exactly like the OEM one it was 72 bucks

 

[speed1585]

PM me right away. I've got the best parts guy. I have the exact same problem you're having, front passenger side caliper. I just got an awesome deal on genuine Mazdaspeed caliper at a rock bottom price. I'll hook you up. (thumb)

are you talking about a MSP OEM replacement or a mazdaspeed brake upgrade?

 

[TheMAN]

even if the dust seal wasn't torn, rust can cause it to seize... how does rust happen? water in the brake fluid!

this is why you need to flush the brake fluid at least every 2 years... it's not just to get the bulls*** out, but for the sake of safety since "wet" brake fluid reduces the boiling point and that could be a difference between destroying your car and stopping in time on the freeway in an emergency

 

[speed1585]

well my fluid has never been replaced so it will be happening this weekend aswell

 

[Matrix]

are you talking about a MSP OEM replacement or a mazdaspeed brake upgrade?

I wasn't aware that Mazdaspeed offered a brake upgrade.
I was talking about MSP OEM replacement.

 

[Matrix]

Also i checked autozone, kragen, pepboys and a couple more websites and they all had the replacment caliper. autozone has one that looks exactly like the OEM one it was 72 bucks

I can guarantee you that that is the wrong caliper. I have been through this so many times it's not even funny. Even if they swear up and down from here to Timbuktu that it's a MSP replacement, they will send you calipers for a stock Protege.

 

[dmention7]

^^^ this.

I went through the same thing with my rear brake pads... every place I checked listed the wrong part number. If I'm remembering correctly I had to specify a 95 RX-7 in order to get the correct parts. Don't know for sure if this is true for the caliper also.

 

[TheMAN]

rockauto states specifically the correct caliper though

 

[speed1585]

i did have that problem when getting rear pads back in the day. i dont buy parts like calipers online. I will have them ordered from the store its a lot easier if s*** is wrong.

So what is the correct part number?

 

[rally2003]

I get Mazda 6 pads for the back of mine. Rockin ou the Duralast for now. Fit perfect.