2003 Ford F-150 Brake grabbing.

Tiny
RODC13
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD F-150
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 23,000 MILES
My father's truck was in storage for 2 years. When I retrieved it, I had the Ford dealership check it and put it in running condition. They replaced the battery, 4 worn out tires, disk brakes on all 4 wheels, changed the oil and did a front end alignment.

After driving in city stop and go traffic, I noticed a "dragging" feeling and went straight home. There was smoke coming from the right rear wheel. I sprayed water on it to cool it off and let it sit until the next morning. When I test drove, it was not grabbing.

Took it to another Ford dealership for a check up, and do do some other work. They did a brake diagnostic and could find nothing wrong. Did a major tuneup. I've driven it a number of times since then with no trouble. Yesterday, I drove in exactly the same type of stop and go, urban condidtions and the exact same thing happened. Dragging feeling, smoke coming out of right wheel, smells like brakes do when locked.

I'd appreciate your opinion before I take it back to the dealership, or another garage. Thanks!
Friday, October 1st, 2010 AT 12:59 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Drive it till it starts to bind or you notice drag, jack that wheel up, chock the rear wheels, put it in neutral, does the wheel spin, if not or it's hard to turn, open the bleeder screw, does it spin freely now? If yes, replace the flex hose, I recommecnd doing the same work to BOTH front brakes, this will elimante any issues with pulling to one side! Also both fronts are the same age and condition, if you don't do both now, you will real soon!
If it stays locked, replace the caliper.
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Wednesday, March 10th, 2021 AT 11:56 AM

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