Rear Brakes

[joephish]

I have a problem a problem with the rear brakes. I replaced the pads about a month ago and all went fine. Then I noticed that one caliper was sticking every now and then. I bled them again. Today both sides went. Any Ideas as to what went wrong?

Joe

[racydave]

Are you sure the E-brake is released? The rear brake proportioner could be sticking, the brake hoses can collapse internally. If they are bound, will they release when you open the bleeder on the caliper? Ive also seen them act-up with improper rod legnth pedal to M/C...

[mbouse]

as replacing pads usually means that you need to coax the pistons back into the caliper body, expanding the gap for the larger pads... i just have to ask for clarification... do you know that the rear pistons are not to be forced into the caliper with a c-clamp, and must be screwed into the caliper housing?

additionally, the piston must be pointing in a certain direction. the face of the piston should have a groove on one half. that shallow groove should be on the same side o fthe caliper housing as the bleed valve or.. "it will be impossible to bleed the brakes adequately"

[So Cal Mark]

when you retract the piston, it moves back to where sludge has built up in the caliper. Quite common to get sticky pistons after doing a brake job

[joephish]

Thanks for the information. Tonight I will put Junior up on stands and get a better look. Another thing I noticed is the pedal went soft and had to be pumped in order to stop just before I got home.

Thanks again.
Joe

[majicwrench]

If indeed the rear brakes are sticking-dragging, that can heat up the brake fluid enough to cause the spongy pedal.
Keith

[joephish]

Finally able to get to the braking problem over this past weekend. The E brake was the problem. I was able to get under Junior and rectify things. New pads, bled the system again then out for a drive. Thanks to all for your help.

Joe