Replacing calipers -- 2001 Dodge ram
I have a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD Extended cab, long bed.
The front driver side brake went metal to metal. I saw it was bad, so just went and bought the rotors and pads without doing a real inspection. When I was swapping them I found the driver side was totally baked, but the passenger side could have done another 20-30K at a WAG.
So it appears the the front driver side caliper is apparently sticking in the open position. I'm getting a little pull to the right but nothing significant.
Right now I don't really have the $200+ free to swap out both calipers. So I'm looking at 2 options:
1) Replace the driver side caliper only. I think the recommendation is to do them in pairs, but does anyone know of a big reason not to do just the one?
2) Apparently there is a rebuild kit available from Autozone for about $20 for both sides. Has anyone ever tried this? Any instructions anywhere?
http://www.autozone.com/R,173608/vehicleId,2602502/initialAction,partProductDetail/store,1958/partType,00054/shopping/partProductDetail.htm
The front driver side brake went metal to metal. I saw it was bad, so just went and bought the rotors and pads without doing a real inspection. When I was swapping them I found the driver side was totally baked, but the passenger side could have done another 20-30K at a WAG.
So it appears the the front driver side caliper is apparently sticking in the open position. I'm getting a little pull to the right but nothing significant.
Right now I don't really have the $200+ free to swap out both calipers. So I'm looking at 2 options:
1) Replace the driver side caliper only. I think the recommendation is to do them in pairs, but does anyone know of a big reason not to do just the one?
2) Apparently there is a rebuild kit available from Autozone for about $20 for both sides. Has anyone ever tried this? Any instructions anywhere?
http://www.autozone.com/R,173608/vehicleId,2602502/initialAction,partProductDetail/store,1958/partType,00054/shopping/partProductDetail.htm
ASKER
>> wheels cylinders are shot and scored a simple seal kit will not fix the problem
Wheel cylinders -- aren't those on drum brakes? Or is that what the piston is called on a caliper?
Wheel cylinders -- aren't those on drum brakes? Or is that what the piston is called on a caliper?
jimpen
Wow..... must have been to much coffee in the morning. That is a drum brake term. I was referring to the pistons in the calipers. Sorry about that.
Wow..... must have been to much coffee in the morning. That is a drum brake term. I was referring to the pistons in the calipers. Sorry about that.
ASKER
I've actually have rebuilt drums from the wheel cylinders out -- both reconditioning the cylinders and outright replacement.
I've never had to tear into calipers at all. So is it a matter of pulling the dust seal rubber, and the just pulling the seals out, cleqning polishing the internals and then putting them back?
I've never had to tear into calipers at all. So is it a matter of pulling the dust seal rubber, and the just pulling the seals out, cleqning polishing the internals and then putting them back?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
That helps. Obviously this is a weekend project. I'll grab the hardware and work on it this weekend and let you know.
jimpen:
Glad it does.
You may try just to test the theory before the weekend, get behind the wheel and tap on the caliper to see if it will slide loose......in other words, have someone press the pedal and then tap it. Do it a few times and see if it starts to slide. If so you know what your problem is..... If not it may be really stuck.
Good luck
I am willing to bet they are hanging, so that should be a cost effective fix.
Thanks
Glad it does.
You may try just to test the theory before the weekend, get behind the wheel and tap on the caliper to see if it will slide loose......in other words, have someone press the pedal and then tap it. Do it a few times and see if it starts to slide. If so you know what your problem is..... If not it may be really stuck.
Good luck
I am willing to bet they are hanging, so that should be a cost effective fix.
Thanks
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
jimpen:
How did the brake job go over the weekend?
How did the brake job go over the weekend?
ASKER
It was overcome by the honey-do list. Its parked for a day or two.
the honey-do list strikes AGAIN. Sounds like what i hear before race day.
The rebuild kit is just fine, It includes seals. Inspect your calipers, if the wheels cylinders are shot and scored a simple seal kit will not fix the problem. If you are confident in rebuilding the calipers, i would recommend doing it after looking at the wheel cylinders.If they look bad, leak, or are scored you will need to replace them as it will continue to pull.
As i am sure you know, assembly is relatively easy just make sure you thoroughly bleed the lines once it is together, all the way around.
Let me know what they look like on the outside, maybe a picture, and i can help you make the decision on replacement or rebuild.