I need some brake help!

[LA_phantom_240]

Next week I'm picking up a very nice s13 vert. It needs front brakes, and I was told that the front driver's brake is dragging. I realize this could be associated with pads, rotors, or calipers. I assume its in the caliper. The brake is worn to the point that the pad is grinding the rotor, which scares me to drive it home as such. Anyway, what all should I troubleshoot first? I figured I would flush the lines with new fluid, and bleed them down, and also replacing the pads and rotors on both sides up front. Any other suggestions as to what would cause drag?

[s13silvia123]

the piston on the calipers might be seized or the brake pads are worned. thats the only thing that would cause the problem.

make sure you replace the rotors or resurface them.

[LA_phantom_240]

Well if the caliper is seized, wouldn't that mean that the brake pads wouldnt be making contact with the rotor? In that case, there wouldnt be such a massive amount of brake dust on the wheel. The pads are definately worn on that side, as I can hear grinding when I hit the pedal.

[breakindrifts]

This shit happened to me. A caliper seizing doesn't mean the brake pad isn't making contact, it means the PAD IS STUCK CONSTANTLY RUBBING THE ROTOR! The piston is seized fully extended and wont go back in when you let off the brakes.

Best thing to do is park the car, buy new pads and rotors either way. Then try to twist/ push the caliper pistons back in. If they won't go back in they are seized and you'll need new ones. It's especially common for rear calipers to seize often.

[LA_phantom_240]

Its the front driver :crap:
Eh. Any idea what a new caliper will cost me? Might as well replace both up front.

[Vision Garage]

just buy some upgrade z32 calipers. Better to spend good money on these than to get some stock ones for the same price. Either pick up old ones from a junkyard to buy some z32s

[aznpoopy]

z32 are not really feasible
he's not working near home. he's picking the car up to bring it home.

get a junkyard caliper, slap it on with whatever pads are on it, do a quick bleed and drive it back... slowly

[LA_phantom_240]

Thats not an option. I have to drive it on the interstate. The car is right outside of New Orleans, and I live about 30 minutes away... across the lake. I suppose I could take Hwy 11 instead of I-10.

I think I'll just drive it home as-is, and deal with the issues it has this week. I have the house to myself, and a couple grand in the bank (till I buy the car =\ ).
Z32 brakes are not an option anyway, as it has the stock 4-lug SE wheels.

[aznpoopy]

that's not bad at all

i've driven with nothing but engine braking and the e-brake... just give yourself an assload of distance and don't be afraid to flash your hazards if you feel the need

good luck

[kandyflip445]

Be careful on your way back.

When you do get back, just buy the rebuild kit for the front calipers. It's just a dust boot and an o-ring. Really easy to do.

[Vision Garage]

just use your ebrake. Since you are in new orleans, traffic wont be as bad. If you were in cali, I would say to get a tow.

[LA_phantom_240]

Be careful on your way back.

When you do get back, just buy the rebuild kit for the front calipers. It's just a dust boot and an o-ring. Really easy to do.

f**k that. I did the whole, "piece here and there" thing on my fastback, and its now dead. Im going to replace the entire front brake system if flushing and bleeding the lines up front doesnt help. Id feel much better knowing both calipers are new.

[kandyflip445]

I guess that works. lol But really the only parts that wear on the front are the seals and the guide pins might need cleaned and lubed.

[LA_phantom_240]

Yeah... But I get a pretty good discount from the local NAPA because the company my dad works for gets wholesale pricing from them.

[kandyflip445]

Then hook us up!!! j/k

That would be the way to go then. If you can get severly discounted parts, I would take full advantage of it.

[Project3328]

i have a setup that may interest u
ebc dimpled rotors (gold) s13 front
ebc green stuff brake pads 98% of the pad left
front calipers and knuckles
these work perfect.. i changed brakes due to a 5 lug and 350z brake conversion

let me know if ur interested

[RedtopTech]

before you spend the money on the caliper , make a couple quick checks. First break the bleeder loose, if fluid squirts out most likely the problem is the brake hose. fluid should just dribble out from the bleeder if no one is pushing on the pedal. next tighten the bleeder and put a small pry bar or screwdriver in the slop of the caliper and pry against the rotor, if the caliper is siezed, you wont be able to push the piston back into the caliper. you should also check the caliper slide bolts, if they havent been lubed in a long time the may have rusted inside of the caliper causing the caliper to bind and uneven wear of the pads. if you do in fact need to replace that caliper, i would reccomend replace both front calipers as well as a good flush.