why does my caliper keep on seizing?

mx3_rider69 · Post by **mx3_rider69** » January 10th, 2006, 11:44 am

i replaced my calipers about a year ago cause the told me its "seized"(if thats how u spell it) and now i also have the same problem anybody know why is it ? do i have to change something else ? plz help

Tunes67 · Post by **Tunes67** » January 10th, 2006, 6:34 pm

Likely you have crap/crud built up in your brake lines.. purge the main brake lines and replace the rubber style brake lines. Good time to upgrade to Stainless Steel Brake Lines.. they arent that expensive and not only will they be new.. but they dont flex like rubber lines (or at least not anywhere near as much) so you get a more consistant feel from your brake pedal. Hope this helps.

Tunes67

mx3_rider69 · Post by **mx3_rider69** » January 10th, 2006, 7:25 pm

thanks any other ideas

rmcg5 · Post by **rmcg5** » January 10th, 2006, 8:36 pm

usually it is the sliders that the caliper ride on..... you need to lube them every couple of months....

PATDIESEL · Post by **PATDIESEL** » January 11th, 2006, 9:23 am

A good brake clean and lube should help, but I agree it could be crappy fluid and rubber lines that are making the problem worse.
I lube my brakes every time I replace them (maybe once every 2 years) and they don't sieze.

Clean the caliper slides with brake parts cleaner, then sand them just a bit with some 800 grit sand paper to remove any rust or rough spots. then grease them with brake parts grease and finish putting the brakes back together. Also clean and sand lightly (but DO NOT grease) the brake pad pins (metal rods that go through the brake caliper).

gfreire · Post by **gfreire** » January 15th, 2006, 11:06 pm

Hey My bro has the same progblem with his probe he also replaced them but they always seize for some reason.

PATDIESEL · Post by **PATDIESEL** » January 16th, 2006, 1:51 am

Do what I suggested. Brake dust is extremely corrosive and will cause pits in the metal pins that the brakes slide on. That is what causes the seizing. Good care is needed to keep good braking performance.

MazdaKiller · Post by **MazdaKiller** » February 6th, 2006, 11:34 pm

heat.... make sure the caliper doesnt heat up too much take your car around the block 2 times and see how hot it gets it shouldnt get to hot but just hot enough that you can touch it ..

Mazda_Powered · Post by **Mazda_Powered** » February 19th, 2006, 9:57 pm

i had one seized caliper and one on its way on my 1991 protege gt (4 wheel disk)

all i did disasembled the wheel and brake system, and swung the caliper up (like you're changing brake pads) then you keep playing with the caliper adjustment screw on the back and keep lubricating the caliper and wipping it off. then with it all apart still get someone to start the car and press on the brakes to make sure its working properly.

those were on the rear and they've been good ever since, when i bought the car the rear rotors were sooo rusty and not being used. now with the new rotors on it, you can see that they're working properly because its a clean surface where the brake pad makes contact with the rotor.

hope this helps

JACK