1996 Chevrolet Silverado sticking brake caliphers

LARRY HUMPHREY

MEMBER
1996 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
125,000 MILES

I have changed out the brake calipers because my driver side brake caught fire and it was obviously sticking. After changing calipers and pads, the calipers are not releasing after braking and rubbing the rotor and heating up to the point of smoking and potential fire again. I have bled the brakes but still have the same problem. What can be done to correct it?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,742 POSTS

Bleeding the brakes won't help but it is a useful diagnostic step. If you open the bleeder screw while the brake is locked up, and it releases, that proves the caliper isn't sticking. It shows that pressurized brake fluid is being trapped somewhere and is being prevented from returning to the master cylinder. GM doesn't have much trouble with sticking calipers so that should be the last suspect.

The next time this happens, loosen the steel lines at the master cylinder. If brake fluid spurts out and the brakes release, suspect the brake fluid is contaminated with a petroleum product. You'll also find the rubber bladder seal under the reservoir cap is blown up and mushy. This will be a real expensive repair.

If the brakes do not release at the master cylinder, suspect the rubber flex hose at the locked wheel. Loosen the soft metal line nut that attaches the hose to the steel line. If the brake releases, replace that flex hose. If the nut is rusted to that hose, follow the steel line to the combination valve on the frame under the master cylinder and loosen it there.