Brake query....

[Hodgey]

Okay, so I read all the posts regarding sticking calipers and I know for sure that my front drivers side caliper is sticking occasionally and singing to me, so I ordered the caliper seal kit from our hosts which duly have arrived.

I figured I'd change out the brake lines too on the front as I understand that they perish internally over a period of time and can clog up like an artery, so as a precaution I have a set of SS replacement lines (not even going to bother arguing about the pro's and cons, they're in my garage and they are going to be fitted to 'Pippa')

Now here's what I am wondering; when I make the tight left turn into my garage at slow speed (5>mph) she seems to lurch/jolt and grab and release like the tyres are egg shaped or there is a disintegrated wheel or wheel bearing which I know is not the case. I thought it might be down to the caliper sticking, but now I am wondering if it is possible that the hose is partially clogged and when I turn, in effect the brake line pressurises and simulates braking........

Any thoughts fellow Pelicans?

[Oh Haha]

I don't believe that the brake line itself is causing the sticking problem. Anything is possible, of course but I would lay bets on the it being the caliper.

Good choice on replacing the lines at the same time. SS or not, it's a good idea since yours are most likely factory.

I did mine a few years ago and don't have to worry for a very long time now.

[Flat6pac]

If the brake line is deterorating inside it may be holding the caliper charged with pressure and not releasing..that could be the non releasing caliper reason.
Bruce

[James Brown]

Mine does the same thing in reverse with the wheel at full lock (left or right) and I have been chasing that for years. Only thing I can think of that the tires are over-steer on the inside and "skidding" in the turn. No rubbing or contact, bearings are tight. hopefully it's just one of thoese things or a -camber thing.

[911pcars]

You can't be sure of the repair strategy until you verify the symptom. Raise front end and turn tires left and right while rotating one at a time. Press and release the brake pedal and confirm each tire rotates with the same amount of normal brake pad drag.

Sherwood

[Hodgey]

James,
Never thought about the reverse.....I am going to try that tomorrow...BTW we share a similar garage......I too have an 03 Dodge ram 1500...great minds..

Sherwood..I take your point. I'll give that a try tomorrow also......

Other than the issue at low speed, she handles like a dream in all aspects

[Hodgey]

Okay, I got the car up no jacks and took a look; on full lock left or right the tyres can actually touch/rub on the tub which would surely give the symptom I am getting if I am at full lock when I am turning into the garage.
The drag is definitely greater on the drivers side so yup, the caliper rebuild is going to have to be done

Now, the question would be why are the wheels allowed to touch the tub? The tie rods are not worn although there is a small split on the boot, and nothing else seems to be loose?

I did however find another issue which has got worse since I purchased the car (imagine that) but that's for another post.

[Oh Haha]

What size wheel/tire combo on the front?

[Hodgey]

Wayne
Wheel tyre combo's are 6 x 16's with 205/55/R16 Bridgestone Potenzas on them.

[Oh Haha]

Wow, they should not hit the inner tub. I'm running 7's on 205/55 and I think mine will rub a bit at full lock.

I would suggest doing the brakes and not worry about the tire rub for now.

Here's a thread on the topic although yours may not be as bad:Can I do anything to stop my front tires from rubbing?

[Hodgey]

Thanks Wayne,
I appreciate the assistance.

I will take a look at the link.