Rear brakes problem

Tiny
GVILLE1213
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD EXPLORER
Hello, I recently replaced my rear brake calipers and right rear brake hose (was in a time crunch and the left rear hose was a dealer only item that couldn't be delivered for 3 days) and am having a problem getting the brakes back the way they were before I started messing with them. I am having a real hard time getting a good firm pedal. There is no indicator light on the dash that is lighting up.

First we gravity bled the rear brakes and then we bled the brakes in the order right rear, left rear, right front, left front.

We replaced the rear calipers because the right rear was locking up. We first noticed this when the car had a really strong smell and felt that the right rear wheelwell was extremely hot. I then took the car in to get checked out at a local brake shop and they quoted me an outrageous $750 to replace the rear calipers and hoses. When they took of and replaced the pads that the right rear had significant wear and that it appeared the right rear was the only one with problems.

Yes, the fluid does squirt out of the rear bleeder valves just like the front. We did keep fluid in the master cylinder all the while. Do you have any idea why when we were bleeding the rears that the pedal wouldn't go all the way to the floor like it did on the fronts? I'm so confused.

Let me know if there is any more info you need. Thanks!

Allan
Monday, August 27th, 2007 AT 8:38 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Also Guys make sure there are no leaks. Lines are tight, and the right cal is on the right wheel, I've seen them hung wrong. Make sure the bleeder is on the top!
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Thursday, August 30th, 2007 AT 3:44 PM
Tiny
GVILLE1213
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Doh! How could I be so foolish! I put the calipers on the wrong sides!

Man, I just feel silly right about now.

Thanks for th input everyone, and I will let you know how they work as soon as I get them switched back around.
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Wednesday, September 5th, 2007 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
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I told you I've seen mechanics do it!
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Wednesday, September 5th, 2007 AT 5:34 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
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Thanks Gunny!
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Wednesday, September 5th, 2007 AT 6:08 PM
Tiny
GVILLE1213
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  • 5 POSTS
You guys are great! They work perfectly now. I sure am glad that I didn't end up paying that $750 bill.

This is the first time that I have used this website and I must say that I am very glad that I have found it, though I only wish I had found it sooner. My last car was a 94 Thunderbird, and it was a total POS. I was always having problems with it that I ended up having to fix. This website would have been a huge help had I known about it back then. Thanks again for all of your help!

Allan
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Thursday, September 6th, 2007 AT 8:41 AM

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