Caliper problems?

[newprot5fan]

HEy all,

So I think I have another rear caliper issue. I have replaced BOTH rear calipers since they were basically toast due to rust and were stuck open. I also replaced the rotors and pads (less than 7 months ago).

I have had ALOT of issues with my ebrake not being tight enough, so I have had that tightened repeatedly.

The problem is I have noticed that my right rear rotor isn't being cleared of the rust that forms after a rainfall or snowfall. My other rotor is fine - no rust. Could this mean anything other than the caliper is not working again? The pad is obviously not touching the outside of the rotor.

Before I call my mechanic again, is there anything else this could be?

Thanks!

 

[ghettoracingkid]

are you adjsuting it with the alan key in the caliper on that side?

 

[newprot5fan]

well, my mechanic has many times since he is the one adjusting the ebrake (loses it's hold quite frequently). I noticed not too long ago that the rotor was being cleared normally, but now it doesn't even seem to be touching it at all.

there is no way my caliper can be seized in 7 months can it???

 

[snowpunk]

any resolution for this?
I just bought my Protege5 used and that was the first thing i noticed. I asked my mechanic who later said he "fixed it" but its back and BAD. There's a 1" ring of cleared rust but around that its getting pitted.

 

[P-Funk!]

I'll 'becha' that the mechanic is merely tightening the handle adjustment and not jacking and checking the caliper (hex screw) adjustment.

The rust remaing on the swept portion of the rotor means the pad is not contacting it.

 

[Clarkbug]

^^^^ +1

You have to remove the bolt on the back of your rear caliper, tighten it until the pad hits the rotor, then back it off 1/3rd turn. (This might vary if you are using existing rotors) Just loosen it enough so you only get a very slight drag, and that your e-brake handle pulls the right way.

The other thing to check is to see if your caliper slides are lubed up. Sometimes even with a new floating caliper your inside pad (near the piston) will grip fine, but the caliper wont slide over enough to make good contact on the outside pad.

 

[snowpunk]

Sweet Deal - I'll give'r a shot.
Big thanks guy.

 

[williedoc]

What causes a frozen brake caliper and can anything be done to prevent it?

 

[Dpwhitehead1]

nothing can really be done. but it's not ALWAYS a frozen caliper. could be a clogged line or something of that nature.

 

[P-Funk!]

...or the pins are not lubed.