Calipers occasionally seizing (both)

Tiny
BWAT064.0
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 TOYOTA TACOMA
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 210,450 MILES
Went to change pads, once installed both front calipers started seizing, replaced rubber brake line, master cylinder and have bled several times. It ran great all day but an hour ago it seized again so I cut it off. Held the pedal down and bled both front calipers to release pressure.
Thursday, June 6th, 2019 AT 12:23 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,742 POSTS
More than likely there are rings of dirt on the pistons and the calipers need to be rebuilt. When you push the pistons back in to make room for the new thicker pads, that dirt gets pushed under the square-cut seal, then they can't slide in and out freely. We used to rebuild calipers and wheel cylinders with every brake job as late as the early '90s, but today professionally-rebuilt calipers with warranties are really inexpensive, so buying them is the better value. Few instructors even teach caliper rebuilding any more. If you want to attempt it, I can walk you through the procedure.

Auto parts stores will have the rebuilding kits or they can order them. All it contains is a new square-cut seal and the rubber dust boot. You'll need to clean the pistons with brake parts cleaner. If you find any of the chrome plating has lifted, including it formed rust spots, do not clean those off. The piston must be replaced as it will not seal when those defects work their way out to the seal as they self-adjust over time.
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Friday, June 7th, 2019 AT 7:34 PM
Tiny
BWAT064.0
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Thanks, but both calipers seizing at the same time? That’s what threw me off, they worked great all day after a solid bleed so maybe I’m good. Thanks for the response means a lot.
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Saturday, June 8th, 2019 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
As the brakes are seized can you loosen the mounting bolts for the master cylinder to see if the brakes release? If so the push rod from the booster needs to be adjusted inward about a 1/8 of an inch. Please let me know.
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Saturday, June 8th, 2019 AT 1:48 PM

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