1994 Dodge Shadow Front brakes not fully releasing

SPIKES32

MEMBER
1994 DODGE SHADOW
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

I have a problem with the front brakes overheating and releasing very slowly from a stop. I have changed pads, rotors and calipers with the same results (no brake pull however). The caliper pistons will not compress into the caliper unless the brake line is cracked slightly open at the banjo bolt. Could this be a master cylinder or a proportioning valve problem? It seems to be worse in hot weather.

6 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi spikes32,

Thanks for the donation.

If both side calipers act the same, the possibility of hoses are reduced.

To test if it is PCV or master cylinder, release the pressure at each point respectively and compress caliper again.

If master cylinder is source of problem, check if the brake pedal to booster push rod clearance is sufficient.

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Saturday, July 19th, 2008 AT 3:15 PM

MERLIN2021

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17,250 POSTS

Also check for the hoses, are they cracked at the top near the bolt on the strut? If you open the bleeder or loosen the banjo bolt and the caliper will push in, the hoses can and in a 1994, prbably are the problem. Unless the brake fluid is contaminated with oil, test it by putting a small amount of it in a cup of water, it will turn milky white with NO oil beads in it. If the oil beads appear your fluid is contaminated, and a sign of this is swollen rubber at the master cylinder seal.

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Saturday, July 19th, 2008 AT 7:37 PM

SPIKES32

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4 POSTS

Thanks for your suggestions. The hoses do not appear cracked or split near the stut mounting bolt. The pistons do compress when the banjo bolt or bleeder screws are loosened. The brakes seem to get noticeably hot when driving in hot weather, this maybe just a coincidence or I just notice it more then. The brake hoses make sense as the fluid would not be able to return to the master cylinder if they are restricted, but would allow pressurized fluid to the calipers. How could I verify that the master cylinder is not the problem, is there any way to check if it is returning fully?

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Sunday, July 20th, 2008 AT 9:18 PM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Crack the line at the master. And see if the calipers release.

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Monday, July 21st, 2008 AT 2:33 AM

SPIKES32

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4 POSTS

Thanks for all your help. I found the problem and brakes work great. I cracked master cyl;inder lines and still couldn't compress the caliper piston; disconnected brake hose at he metal line and still couldn't compress the piston. Both brake hoses were the culprit, changed them and have had no problems (better mpg now without all the drag).