Stuck Caliper

[King Xanadu]

So I'm driving home from school today, my P5 is having power issues, lacking the quickness it usually has. I rolled the window down and could smell something burning. I get out to inspect and see smoke coming from the drivers side front caliper, its also really hot, I can fell the heat from several feet away. I figure the caliper is stuck.

My question is this, What do I need to do to get the caliper unstuck? What should I replace since the rotor is likely warped. I also have Performance Friction carbon metallic pads with a lifetime warranty I know I can warranty out. Should I do that as well? What can I do to keep this from happening again?

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

You could take the caliper off and lube the slider pins, but if it was that locked up, it's probably toast. You could rebuild it, but buying a new caliper would be easiest. Warranty out the pads for sure. Not sure about the rotor, but I always like to replace two at a time.

 

[P-Funk!]

Me? I would replace the caliper and inspect the pads. They may be okay if it hasn't been siezed too long. Do a real good bleed to remove boiled brake fluid.

Inspect for any 'blue-tinted' or now rainbow-colored metal on the brackets and rotor indicating heat damage.

I would then drive it and see if the brake pedal 'pulses' or the front end shakes when braking (indicating a warped rotor). If bad - yes replace it.

 

[CheeseHelmet]

I agree with P-Funk!, that caliper should no longer be trusted. Plus, remanufactured front calipers for our cars are cheap so it's worth the piece of mind. Do both at the same time, it's only a matter of time before the other one locks up on you...

 

[MSPM1cheLe]

upgrade to MSP calipers i have a set for sale with upgraded pads and rotors and even stainless steel lines!

Link to Sale

 

[King Xanadu]

upgrade to MSP calipers i have a set for sale with upgraded pads and rotors and even stainless steel lines!

Link to Sale

hmmm. those calipers look exactly like the ones i put on mine. what makes them different?

 

[King Xanadu]

Me? I would replace the caliper and inspect the pads. They may be okay if it hasn't been siezed too long. Do a real good bleed to remove boiled brake fluid.

Inspect for any 'blue-tinted' or now rainbow-colored metal on the brackets and rotor indicating heat damage.

I would then drive it and see if the brake pedal 'pulses' or the front end shakes when braking (indicating a warped rotor). If bad - yes replace it.

No blue but the rotors and pads were this odd pale red color.

 

[MSPM1cheLe]

hmmm. those calipers look exactly like the ones i put on mine. what makes them different?

MSP calipers are bigger.

 

[mattomatic]

same thing happened to me and it ended up being the e brake cable seized