Front left brake caliper will not release?

Tiny
JOSH PARKER
  • MEMBER
  • 2017 RAM 1500
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,400 MILES
I recently installed all new brake pads and rotors. While replacing them I needed a new left rear caliper. So put everything together and bled the system started from wheel furthest away from master cylinder. Then went for a test drive. Notice a dragging brake noise on the front left. So, I replaced the caliper and went for a test drive. Same problem. Replaced master cylinder and brake line and still same problem with brake not releasing.
Wednesday, September 13th, 2023 AT 8:30 AM

25 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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So, the dragging noise, can you jack up the front of the truck and spin the front wheel in question? If so, the caliper is releasing, and I would check the dust shield on the back side of the rotor because they can contact the rotor and make a dragging sound. Let us know what happens and please upload videos of the problem so we can see what's going on. I assume the problem started after the brake job was done?
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Wednesday, September 13th, 2023 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
JOSH PARKER
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  • 16 POSTS
No, I checked the dust shield. The only way the caliper releases if the bleeder is opened.
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Wednesday, September 13th, 2023 AT 2:14 PM
Tiny
JOSH PARKER
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  • 16 POSTS
It actually starts to get hot and you can smell it on that one wheel.
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Wednesday, September 13th, 2023 AT 2:16 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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There is only one thing left I can think of which is the ABS control valve. You said you replaced the flex brake hose, correct?

Do me a favor and when the brake is locked up try loosening the master cylinder mounting bolts 3 turns to see if the caliper releases. If not, I would replace the ABS control valve, there must be something stuck in the right front control valve. Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.
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Thursday, September 14th, 2023 AT 10:47 AM
Tiny
JOSH PARKER
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Okay, thanks! I will try that and let you know.
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Thursday, September 14th, 2023 AT 2:05 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Please do, have a good weekend.
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Friday, September 15th, 2023 AT 10:20 AM
Tiny
JOSH PARKER
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
I just loosened the master cylinder bolts and wheel freed up.
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Friday, September 15th, 2023 AT 10:43 AM
Tiny
JOSH PARKER
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
So, that only loosened the wheel when truck was off. I went for a drive and still same dragging on that side. Also got this come on the dash for first time. Then it went away.
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Monday, September 18th, 2023 AT 5:32 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Okay, let's do a scan for the ABS system, here is a guide to help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/anti-lock-system-testing-and-repair-abs

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Wednesday, September 20th, 2023 AT 8:48 AM
Tiny
JOSH PARKER
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  • 16 POSTS
So an OBD 2 scanner?
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Wednesday, September 20th, 2023 AT 9:16 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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It is OBD2 but it can do the ABS system, you can use a CAN scanner as well. You can get a CAN scanner (Controller Area Network) which will work on most cars from Amazon.

Here is a video to show you how:

https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Thursday, September 21st, 2023 AT 9:05 AM
Tiny
JOSH PARKER
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
Here are the codes.
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Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 AT 8:22 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Those codes should not cause the caliper to not release. When the caliper is locked up can you open the bleeder on the caliper to see if it releases?
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Thursday, September 28th, 2023 AT 10:03 AM
Tiny
JOSH PARKER
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What would cause these? Plus auto park disabled comes on after driving for 5 minutes. Traction control light and also check engine?
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Monday, October 23rd, 2023 AT 10:42 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Okay we are getting closer, also did the wheel turn when you replace the bleeder?

Code C1082 this code specifically refers to a problem detected in the "Brake Fluid Pressure Sensor 'A' Circuit, "

So, this sensor is inside the ABS control module which sounds like it is bad, I would get a new or used unit and install it, here are the instructions on how to do so. Once installed, clear all codes.

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, October 23rd, 2023 AT 1:07 PM
Tiny
JOSH PARKER
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  • 16 POSTS
I just replaced the ABS pump and module.
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Monday, October 23rd, 2023 AT 2:43 PM
Tiny
JOSH PARKER
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
It’s all the same messages as before except for the check engine light as before I changed the pump and module. If I go through wet grass the ABS comes on. I bought the pump from 50 state auto. It was used. Had 27,000 miles. They said they test the pumps. I also gave them the VIN to program it.
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Monday, October 23rd, 2023 AT 3:08 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Does the wheel spin if you open the bleeder?
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Tuesday, October 24th, 2023 AT 8:07 AM
Tiny
JOSH PARKER
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Yes.
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Tuesday, October 24th, 2023 AT 8:17 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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I would replace the front brake caliper flex hose.
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Tuesday, October 24th, 2023 AT 8:25 AM

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