It appears that the bakes might be dragging

RIC ROBERTS

MEMBER
1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING

I just replaced the rotors, pads and the drivers side caliper and it appears that the bakes might be dragging. When the car is driven there is no sign of any sticking or pulling but when the car is coasted to a stop the rotors seem to be smelling hot and when touched will burn your fingers. What can be causing this? I did not replace the brake hoses. Besides the hoses can the master cylinder cause this? If so how can I check
it?
Thanks,
Ric

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,737 POSTS

Inspect the rubber bladder seal under the reservoir cap. If it balloons up and is mushy, the fluid has been contaminated with petroleum product such as engine oil or transmission fluid. The same thing happens to the lip seals in the master cylinder. They will grow and expand past the return ports trapping the fluid. As the fluid heats up from normal braking and expands, it applies the brakes harder. Jack the front end up and check if one or both brakes are tight. Crack open the steel lines at the master cylinder. If each line releases one front brake, suspect fluid contamination.

If only one front brake is locked, it's more likely a hose is constricted. Open the bleeder screw on the stuck caliper. If you see a little spurt of fluid and the brake releases, look for a metal bracket crimped around the hose. Rust buildup inside the crimp can squeeze the hose closed. Peel that crimp open slightly with a large pliers.

Caradiodoc