dragging brakes

[critch4]

Hi guys,

Both my front offside AND rear offside brakes have started to drag occasionally to the extent where on one journey of about 8 miles my mpg dropped to 22ish and both wheels were hot (i have now stopped driving until it is fixed), just wondering if anyone could give me a few ideas of what it could be? i've read it could just be retraction springs (winter muck could have effected them) or the master cylinder, or crushed brake lines etc. It has only done it a few times over the last 5 or 6 journeys and only sometimes after i've applied the brakes. anyone else had this kind problem? Its funny how its not all brakes, or just one brake.

Cheers, Andy

 

[vngtx]

have you checked tyre pressure? may sound stupid but its worth checking. ABS?

 

[critch4]

type pressures are all fine, i dont think it has anything to do with the ABS, the pedal feels normal etc

 

[vngtx]

maybe calipers or pads are siezed. is it pulling to one side?

 

[critch4]

yea im thinking its something along those lines, just wierd how both brakes drag at the same time, you'd think they'd drag independently, could just be coincidence. it doesn't pull either which is funny, although i wasnt accelerating hard or anything. i guess im guna have to take them apart at the weekend and give them a good inspection

 

[critch4]

just had a thought, do the calipers even have retraction springs??

 

[vngtx]

no they dont, they just use slides and the piston retracts on its own after braking, stopping the braking force. most likely something is seized. you had them apart yet?

 

[critch4]

yea i recon they have to be siezed, if it was the master or something it would effect all or opposite corners. haven't had the chance yet, waiting for the weekend . cheers mate

 

[vngtx]

if its the pistons that are siezed ill explain how to get them free again.

 

[critch4]

that would be a real help cheers!

 

[crezz]

sliderpins i reckon..