[DSMITH]

I need some advice on how to determine if my brake caliper is going bad, sticking. The vehicle "squeals" intermittently coming from the front right side. I have just replaced the pads, so I know it is not the indicators. I have heard that a sticky caliper can make the pad barely touch the rotor and give a squealing noise. How could I tell if the caliper is going bad? Can anyone give me any hints or tips on this situation. Thanks tons!!!

 

[Guest]

I just went through this nonsense on my 90 SS454, but I had these wierd symptoms, the brakes were real spooky. Truck would pull hard left, then every now and then you could smell something burning, like a clutch. I thought the caliper was bad, turned out to be the brake line.

If the caliper is going bad, you should have some brake symptom, pulling maybe.

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Wally
Gold #67
67 Malibu "Small Block"
90 SS454
71 Malibu "Small Block"
93 torch red vette

 

[tom3]

Disc brake pads normally ride against the rotor. They will squeel slightly, then quit when you put on the brakes. Could be dirt. There is a blue anti-squeel liquid compound you can put on the back of the pads that probably won't help at all. If the caliper is sticking, could be "iced" up, or stuck with dried brake fluid. Might also try lubing the slide collar and o-rings on the bolts and caliper ears. There is a red disc brake lube for this also. If all else fails, take the pads off, scrub them, clean the rotors with brake cleaner and try it again. Real PIA sometimes. tom

 

[SSuper Dave]

The brake line is the most likely culprit. A little piece of rubber can get loose and block the line momentarily so the caliper release is delayed. In addition to the lubing mentioned above, check the edge of the caliper where it goes against the caliper bracket on top and bottom. You should see a slight air gap. Check with a feeler gauge, it should be around 12 thousandths top and bottom. If not, file the caliper bracket til you have clearance. Try to make it equal on both sides. We have a lot of problems with new Chevy trucks having a brake pull, and theis info is straight from GM Tecnical Assistane Center. Good luck.

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"SSuper Dave" Palmer
A.C.E.S. #1483
Team Chevelle #32 Gold
1968 Chevelle
1991 Z/28

 

[BILL TIRELLI]

caliper`s usually dont stick in the out position, if anything they will leak. piston will stick in the bore. I would check wheel bearings, they will squeal when they start to go bad and when you hit the brakes it will stop the squeal for a little bit.

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BILL TIRELLI TEAM CHEVELLE MEMBER#280 1969 BLK CHEVELLE SS396 375HP 4SP 410 POSI
STATEN ISLAND NY