# Brake problem is not P. brake cable... both rear calipers are definitely stuck/seized. great....

Posted by mentat (93se 5spd) on September 03, 2002 at 14:32:18:

Ok this is probably beyond my abilities, and certainly not something I have time for this PM before work. When calipers seize up, what actually happens inside? Is it the piston seizing up with the bore, or something else? I'm mainly asking out of curiosity as I'm still not sure this is something I'm going to be trying myself anytime soon; fortunately I have a spare car this week (good timing I guess) But then again, if this is something I CAN in fact do myself with some patience and guidance, I think I'd like to give it a try. Buuuut then again, they're my brakes we're talking about here, so maybe I should let a professional have a hand at it. I think thats the plan as I have suspension and front end work to be done anyway...

In any case, it happened Sunday night, when driving with a full car, 3 people in back (rarely is it more than just me and maybe a front seat passenger) Is there any sort weight-bias component of the proportioning valve? My dad mentioned something about that but he's not exactly a pro mechanic either. I also do think I've noticed some sponginess in the pedal recently, if the system was in need of bleeding, might that have had a hand in the seizure? Unfortunately I did do quite a bit of driving after noticing the smell - I was 40mi from home and had no choice really. So I imagine the heat did me no favors, I just hope the rotors didnt warp too badly. I'm just throwing random ideas out here, but the main question is:

"What are some common causes of brake caliper seizure?"

At least my dad's spare car is a Ford Contour, no power but nice quick handling. Still a Ford though =[

TIA for any info and advice
m@

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: Ok this is probably beyond my abilities, and certainly not something I have time for this PM before work. When calipers seize up, what actually happens inside? Is it the piston seizing up with the bore, or something else? I'm mainly asking out of curiosity as I'm still not sure this is something I'm going to be trying myself anytime soon; fortunately I have a spare car this week (good timing I guess) But then again, if this is something I CAN in fact do myself with some patience and guidance, I think I'd like to give it a try. Buuuut then again, they're my brakes we're talking about here, so maybe I should let a professional have a hand at it. I think thats the plan as I have suspension and front end work to be done anyway... : In any case, it happened Sunday night, when driving with a full car, 3 people in back (rarely is it more than just me and maybe a front seat passenger) Is there any sort weight-bias component of the proportioning valve? My dad mentioned something about that but he's not exactly a pro mechanic either. I also do think I've noticed some sponginess in the pedal recently, if the system was in need of bleeding, might that have had a hand in the seizure? Unfortunately I did do quite a bit of driving after noticing the smell - I was 40mi from home and had no choice really. So I imagine the heat did me no favors, I just hope the rotors didnt warp too badly. I'm just throwing random ideas out here, but the main question is: : "What are some common causes of brake caliper seizure?" : At least my dad's spare car is a Ford Contour, no power but nice quick handling. Still a Ford though =[ : : TIA for any info and advice : m@