Brake problem

DANO302

MEMBER
PONTIAC GRAND AM

My front passenger side brakes are sticking, creating a lot of excess heat, and warping/gouging the rotor. I've replaced the rotor, caliper/bracket, slide-pins, hose, some things more than once-just to be sure. The metal brake line going to that wheel appears to be fine. It is not siezed to the point where I can't drive it, and the brake pedal feels fine. It also doesn't feel like it pulls to that side. Yet it still sticks. Something is causing the pressure to build and won't allow it to be released when you let off the brakes. There are no problems with the other three wheels. Please help me to figure out what could be causing this. Thank you.

3 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

I would ckeck the fluid for contamination, especially the wrong fluid, like oil or tranny fluid, put some of the fluid in a cup and add some water, it should turn white milky looking, then look it over closly, see if there is any oil balls in it. If yes you need to change all rubber parts, and clean steel lines with alcohol. If thats OK check the left rear brake for propper condition, and adjustment, If you have a height sensor on the rear axle try readjusting rear pressure!

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Saturday, September 22nd, 2007 AT 4:24 PM

DANO302

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8 POSTS

Thank you very much for your response Merlin. I have some additional information that may provide some more help, sorry I didn't provide it the first time. Brake fluid is good. And let me add the following. Our method of troubleshooting was as follows (this is after helping hints by other mechanics and parts store). I disabled the ABS system by removing the main relay. Also disconnected the front right ABS sensor, even though the dashboard ABS fault light has never come on. I jacked the front end up and placed it on jacks. We bled both front front calipers. With tires off, and car running in gear at idle speed, the right side starts out working fine, until after I depress the brakes 2 or 3 times. At which time it gradually binds until it seizes. It doesn't seize to the point that I can't turn it by placing a bar between the studs and turn it, however it takes considerable force to do so. If I open the bleeder on the caliper, and relieve the pressure, without putting my foot on the brake, it will seize by itself. I hope this additional information can be more helpful. I'm completely stymied. Thanks again.

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Sunday, September 23rd, 2007 AT 8:49 AM

DANO302

MEMBER
8 POSTS

I forgot to mention that I replaced the front right strut about 3 months ago. The other 3 struts are the original struts. Could this have any bearings on my problem? I'm highly doubtful. Also, considering everything I've either checked or replaced, I am also considering replacing my master cylinder. Since there is only a problem on one side, I thought the master cylinder wasn't the problem. Am I wrong in that assumption? And am I wasting my money on a new or rebuilt master cylinder? Also, I only replaced the caliper on one side. I doubt that has any bearings on my problem as well, but I figured I'd mention it. Thank you

Also, it's a 2000 gt with a 3.4 cyl engine, and has 4 wheel disc brakes

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Sunday, September 23rd, 2007 AT 9:08 AM