Pathfinder brake caliper sticks

[mscher]

I believe my '98 had a front brake caliper stick, causing great heat and pad wear (drivers side).

Changed the caliper, with a rebuilt unit and the problem is a little better, but is still there.

I thought it could be a bearing, but if the caliper is removed, the rotor turns about as easy as the passenger side.

Also the brake pedal is spongy when the engine is running, even though all 4 brakes have been bled extensively.

Is there anything else I should be looking at?

 

[dancudayo]

Re: Pathfinder brake caliper sticks

I'm not a mechanic but maybe the master cylinder or power booster, could be the vacuum line on booster, my dad's car was equiped with hand controls for disabled people and it wasn't adjusted properly which didn't release the brake pedal completly over time the vacuum would die on it and he would have no power brakes. After many trips to mechanic and a couple of power boosters it took a master mechanic to discover the problem.

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Pathfinder brake caliper sticks

A classic description of a failing flex hose. They fail internally and block flow. Of course, pedal pressure forces fluid past but the lower return pressure bleeds off slowly. If all else checks out, replace the flex line.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: Pathfinder brake caliper sticks

The brake pressure equalizer valve can cause this if it becomes clogged or has a malfuntion. This valve often is connected to brake alarm switch and is always connected up between the master cyl and brakes lines.Vehicles with anti-lock brakes are very complicated and can make finding the cause a problem. I assume it has anti-lock brakes

 

[mscher]

Re: Pathfinder brake caliper sticks

I think I have found the problem.

The rebuilt brake caliper is the WRONG PART!! When I put the slider bolts in, the caliper actually wedges against the mount bracket.

I guess they don't always know exactly what parts are returned to the "core" bin ;( It looked like the old one, but the bolt holes must be a little different.

NAPA has the replacement on order.

Thanks for everyone's input.