Brake calipers take a beating every year to the tune of about 8,500 stops. When brake pads are replaced the piston that pushes the brakes to drag your wheels to a stop, will have compensated for the material wear by extending out a little further. This ensures a quick response when you push the pedal.
Any deterioration or corrosion of this piston, normally covered by a rubber boot, can cause a multitude of symptoms: very soft pedal, pulling to one side, locking up, etc. Even if no fluid is leaking. This piston must be pressed back into its bore to allow the new pads to fit. Many vehicles will exhibit the same condition you are having because of the corrosion and dust that penetrates the smallest hole in the boot. Late model Volkswagen Passats are having this issue with the rear calipers wearing under 70k miles.
My recommendation is to replace the front brake calipers due to their age, (we're talking 170,000 stops!), And use as preventative and drive it for a couple weeks to see if it improves, as I think it will. When your rear brakes are due I recommend the same thing.
Good luck.
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Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 AT 10:55 PM
