Brakes locking up after putting new rotors and pads on

Tiny
CHERYLSLOVE
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 DODGE
  • 3.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 138,000 MILES
I have a Caravan and the pads and rotors need replacing, so we did it, soon as I went to test drive my wheels locked up! There is fluid going to brakes or the tires would be locking up with out the new pads right? We have gone through three different kinds of pads and keep having to take them back off and going without new anything because my friend says they would be locking up with the old pads and rotors on. Is this true? I have to get them fixed or end up in a wreck or worse. Please help me!
Tuesday, August 8th, 2017 AT 11:07 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
Make them lock up.

Then open the bleeder screw.

Did they release? (Maybe just one side locking up?)

If it released,

It is probably a faulty brake hose(s).

If you allowed old hoses to dangle with the weight of the calipers this may have accelerated the failure.

What is happening in this possibility is the hose(s) have deteriorated internally, it is allowing fluid to push on through, it sort of "check valves" and will not let the fluid back up/ retract as it should when the pedal is released.

This situation can occur without messing with the brakes, just one of those things!

Return with news!

The Medic
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Wednesday, August 9th, 2017 AT 4:44 PM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
Also, see if you have twisted the hoses.

The Medic
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Wednesday, August 9th, 2017 AT 4:46 PM
Tiny
CHERYLSLOVE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
He is my friend that has been working on the van said, the the wheels only lock up after we put the tires back on, and no he did not allow the hoses to dangle while putting pads on!
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Wednesday, August 9th, 2017 AT 6:08 PM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
Did you compare the old parts with the new?

Distractions at work/incorrect data sometimes gets the wrong part laying on the counter at the parts store. Check every measurement on your parts.

Other than that, make sure the calipers are installed correctly and are not contacting the rims.

If the calipers are not squeezed in, hit the brakes to do so, before you install the wheels.

Return with good news!

The Medic
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Wednesday, August 9th, 2017 AT 7:46 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,149 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like you have the wrong rotors on the car.

Please let us know.

Cheers, Ken
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Wednesday, August 9th, 2017 AT 9:18 PM

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