When the brakes are applied there seems to be a restriction to the left front brake?

KEVINQUEST

MEMBER
1998 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
175,000 MILES

Car has ABS. When the brakes are applied there seems to be a restriction to the left front brake. I have rebuilt the caliper. The brake does not release for some time after being applied and the car initially pulls to the right when the brakes are applied. The amount of pressure applied affects the time needed to completely release. The right front wheel seems unaffected. Bleeding the caliper releases the wheel immediately. When bleeding the brakes no fluid gets to the left front wheel without power assist even with the bleeder open. When power assist is used a hissing sound can be heard. Is there a specific place I should look for the restriction?

Sunday, December 27th, 2009 AT 3:20 PM

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
34,331 POSTS

Dandy description of the symptoms. The common cause of this is rust build-up inside the crimped-on mounting bracket in the middle of the front hydraulic hose. The red arrow is pointing to the place you need to spread open a little. Use a large flat-blade screwdriver or a large pair of pliers to open the bracket a little where it's crimped around the hose.

Your best observation was the caliper releases when the bleeder screw is opened. What you will also find is that brake does not release when the steel lines are loosened at the master cylinder.

If you find the outer cover of the hose is cracked, the hose must be replaced. To make that job easier, use a stick between the front seat and brake pedal to hold the pedal down an inch or two. That will run the lip seals in the master cylinder down far enough to block fluid flow while the hose is off. That will prevent the master cylinder from running empty while the hose is disconnected.

Image (Click to make bigger)