How To Quickly Check if Your Vehicle's Brakes are Sticking and Why!

In this video we show you how to quickly determine if your vehicle's brake caliper is sticking and why.
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BSG Automotive offers Auto Repair services in the greater Chicagoland area.
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The information, demonstration and any content contained in this video is for informational purposes only. The user and BSG Automotive (hereinafter “BSG Automotive”) makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the effectiveness or safety of the contents of this video. In no way should the contents of the video, including the tools used, be repeated or tried by anyone. Viewers should only seek the help of a trained professional located at a licensed auto repair shop for any fix, modification, alteration, or any change to their vehicle. BSG Automotive shall not be liable for any injury, damage, or loss to any person or property that may result from use of the tools, equipment, or any content contained in this video. In addition, there is no way to guarantee that the video is not altered or modified or is not in the final form submitted by BSG Automotive and therefore, BSG Automotive does not warrant that the video is unaltered or not modified. The links on this video to products are for informational purposes only and in no way are an endorsement of the safety or effectiveness of the particular product. Viewers understand that anything contained in this video or linked to or from this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and in no way provides an express or implied warranty as to the safety or effectiveness of any linked tool, product, or video. Therefore, viewer agrees to release, waive, and discharge BSG Automotive or anyone affiliated with BSG Automotive, from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by the viewer, or to any property belonging to viewer, regardless of whether the loss is linked to the use of the contents of this video, or otherwise and regardless of whether such liability arises in tort, contract, strict liability, or otherwise, to the fullest extent allowed by law.

[@kwitwerikok8o863]

I had this problem with the same symptoms and replaced the brake hose with no luck. Long story short, the adjustable rod from the brake booster if it can be making contact too much to the master cylinder it will hold brake pressure and can do it to just 1 wheel. The air gap between the rod and master cylinder on this vehicle is suppose to be .016" Very close.

[@terryharvey4811]

An odd one for me. X system on I think an Escort. RF and LR on one port of master, LF and RR on the other port. In 5 miles RF would lock up, smoking hot. Customer had replaced calipers and hoses, gave up, brought it to me. I found that the master was not releasing on one port, noticed the LR was dragging also. This happens also on the X system when a rear cylinder leaks even slightly, not allowing fluid to be sucked from the paired front caliper when the pedal is released. In your example, I would also check the master cylinder by reapplying the brake and loosen the metal line between the rubber hose and the master cylinder. Then try spinning the hub. I've found over the years, if you've got an unexplained, odd brake problem it's usually the master cylinder.

[@Thedjcodeman]

so if releasing the bleeder doesnt shoot out fluid, then its the caliper? If fluid shoots out, then its a blockage in the line?

[@saganandroid4175]

You make it sound like you're done. But you're not done. You have to replace that section of line from the caliper to the metal bracket.

[@napieraustin]

Brake hose* known for swelling and causing sticking brakes. If you open brake bleeder and nothing comes out probably have a swelled hose

[@daniele.644]

That’s because this video is about diagnosing the problem, not fixing it.

[@chauncieextreme8514]

thanks captain obvious

[@dj5752]

Nicely done. Quick, Clear. Precise, no fluff.

[@Abnesis]

fluffy

[@kaikaisen2155]

After the fix it was still sticking a bit, shouldn't it spin without the two metals touching? It's like biking while applying the brakes a bit, it uses a lot of fuel. I mean shouldn't the brakes and the metal be apart from eachother?

[@AKJeeper]

I've actually replaced more hoses than calipers for brake dragging complaints.

[@gasisthepastendoil]

Hmnmmmm....

[@KilliKonKarnage]

wow and this solved all the issues? I just replaced a caliper and hasn't fixed so waiting for hose to arrive. I really hope it isn't a mad master cylinder.

[@KilliKonKarnage]

Update. Ends up being the master cylinder. Replaced caliper and hose for the wheel affected. Since bleeding that caliper. Now all wheels are dragging slightly. Before it was just one.

[@charlesyii8963]

so the master cylinder changed all wheels dragged still?​@@KilliKonKarnage

[@KilliKonKarnage]

@@charlesyii8963 have yet to change master cylinder and brake booster but is most likely the culprit

[@rareform6747]

Yeah see many flex hose act like a Check Valve .. Mobile Disk Brake Service Austin Texas 💫

[@rixanneh18]

I have learned so much from your videos! I'm load testing my wiper motor today after watching your video on it and started watching the rest of them too. I hope you grab a sport cam you can wear on your forehead or something so you can keep making awesome videos. You do a really thorough job and you're easy to understand and follow. Thanks again!

[@TheVideoButcher]

My brother just had it happen exactly like you said to his 2011 GMC Arcadia brought it AAA service shop and told my brother $10,000 to fix all these issues. They lied through there teeth

[@ajbenavente8009]

If it were to be the caliper that’s sticking rather than the hose failing how would we diagnose that and fix it? Just replace entire caliper?

[@staffordsanpei7804]

Nice explanation. But, my problem is is both sides lock. Fyi, I have braided aftermarket brakelines. Could it be a proportioning valve not adjusted properly. I recently had mines changed.

[@jaimecoc8412]

Dp you need to bleed your break after you open the bleeder to release pressure from the caliper ?

[@chauncieextreme8514]

not sure but think that’s basically the same as bleeding, which would be done anytime you take pressure off of the line to remove air bubbles

[@samsonwarorwa320]

This was quite informative. I've actually used it today 👍

[@nickayivor8432]

KNOWLEDGEABLE FordTechMakuloco Tutorial great video brilliant thank you FordTechMakuloco From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧

[@danhdo8233]

mine is sticking too. I did this and replaced the hydraulic hose too and 2 new calipers, still sticking. I tested the Booster working ok, Check valve is ok. Caliper is ok. When I manually pushed them in, they went in very easily, no sticking. Brake Master Cylinder is bad? Maybe because I overfilled the fluid to the top, closed the lid and pressed the brake that caused the damage?

[@paulnirschl6500]

I’ve had more bad hoses due to the mounting brackets having so much rust that it pinches the hose shut. Good old Wisconsin winters.

[@saganandroid4175]

Interesting angle for us northerners!

[@douglasnichols6116]

I have a back brake grabbing and your video is the exact problem I’m having a metal to rubber to metal line took it all apart and the fluid started dripping after the rubber line thanks😊

[@gasisthepastendoil]

Caliper is crooked from nib --- made in ghinia......slight drag...for weeks...

[@joegamer1696]

What can i do if my brake calipers have the bleeding nipples broken and i can,t remove them or bleed the lines🤔

[@blkmrk]

How much drag is normal? Should you have some resistance spinning the wheel?

[@kimgallagher1815]

You could see it had resistance when he spun it after he released it .

[@TexMexCounty]

I replaced caliper and brake hose and it’s still sticking. Bled brakes 2x, have a firm pedal, just dragging still and I’m at a lost. Could there be air in master cylinder? Or is it due to uneven brake pad wear?

[@lavarstarzz7811]

I did all of the same and mine is still sticking too. New brakes, rotors, and lines

[@TexMexCounty]

@@lavarstarzz7811 I have new wheel Hubs rotors and pads new caliper new brake hose new wheel speed sensor I bled master cylinder and did an abs bleed with scanner and still sticking 🤦‍♂️

[@Boxnoob]

ABS problem. Please take it to the shop & have the ABS electronics on the RF/LF checked.

[@chuckychuck]

You are the best mechanic on you tube, your videos helped me out a lot, I was subscribed to you channel, looks like good old YT un-subscribed me.

[@TomsBackyardWorkshop]

My brakes are doing this but Ive got brand new braided lines and brands new calipers. Both sides lock up.

[@EVRY1STFU]

Great quick video. Thanks for passing that knowledge. Keep it coming.

[@Avery-hg7il]

I hate these videos that lead everyone down the wrong road… Didn’t check the slider pins, nor the fluid conditions… Color of the fluid will tell you more than your lil stunt lol😂

[@chrisfisichella6659]

Thank you.

[@fn6553]

I replaced hoses and still have issue

[@ejer.]

Did not Fix the prb. 🤗

[@jeromejavier8856]

Hi Bro! what if the caliper itself is moving when you apply and release the break? what is the problem? thanks.

[@Jacob1986]

If it does squirt out would it be caliper that failed?

[@m.n.3490]

That's what I was wondering ... if the fluid DOES NOT squirt out - does that mean it's the caliper? Or even something else?

[@rshettle123]

No, something else is holding pressure. If it doesn't squirt out, the caliper is holding on its own and needs replaced.

[@LastTrump7]

Should new brakes pads and rotor a month old still feel hot after driving 8 miles on flat road only braking a couple times?

[@train4905]

Wow awsome,😊😊

[@Nick41622]

When you jack up the car & spin the wheel some brake drag is normal.

[@Blackdog57]

I got new rotors, new pads, new caliper on drivers side, but the piston drags when releasing the brake pedal, what could cause this? 🤔

[@MonaeJohnson]

I have the same issue after replacing all three too.

[@Blackdog57]

@@MonaeJohnson wow, did you ever find out what was causing that?

[@brettpeeloff2120]

Did you replace the rubber Hose coming off the caliper, which is what this video showed to be the problem

[@theiceageiscoming.5516]

💪😎🇺🇸

[@robertm1492]

THANK YOU

[@papergatorzfedducca7998]

Is it possible that both front brakes would drag at the same time due to both hoses going bad at the same time? When I open the bleeder my brakes release like you did in the video. It does it after driving for 3-5 minutes then start dragging and then I have to open bleeder screw.

[@Boxnoob]

mine does the same thing after 10 mins of driving, both front calipers squeeze. then id have to stop. but then it would release sometime later. its like a never ending cycle lolol

[@Jemartines81]

@@Boxnoobhow did u end up fixing this issue?

[@Boxnoob]

@@Jemartines81I bled the brakes to get rid of any air in the system. I also swapped out the caliper that wasn’t working right. Plus, I replaced the master cylinder on my own since one side was all clogged up, and now everything’s running smoothly.

[@Jemartines81]

@@Boxnoob Ty for the quick reply.

[@Boxnoob]

@@Jemartines81 No problem at all! I never received the support I needed to sort this out, so I just wanted to lend a hand since I know exactly what you're going through.

[@bryans5150]

Thanks for your efforts and content man

[@ashystyle]

So how do you solve this issue in this case then? Change the brake hose with a new one?

[@BunnyRamey]

Doo you have a video on the hydraulic system replacement?

[@dabstheleo1967]

Great video! Many thanks from Dabs UK../.

[@kadjblmom]

Hi, my mom's husband sent this to me. To clarify, would these be something that would explain a jerking motion while stopping? And when it gets hot, it sounds as if it's grinding?

[@odyssey814]

You mean your dad?

[@andrewchristopher7138]

Hi

[@cgonedfishing]

2013 Ford Escape 1.6 SEL, Brakes Squealing when backing, thoughts?

[@barrettj.d.910]

Check your thin metal guard behind your brake disc, dust shield, on each side I had a rock bend mine inward towards the back side of my rotor before and it was bent back so it would only grab and squeal when you reverse but going forward would not shove against it

[@watkinsjames82]

Thank you and wish me luck lol

[@ayodemayo]

id love to see it be the caliper now they scammed someone

[@connectlogic]

orrrrr if not?

[@chauncieextreme8514]

brilliant! never seen this diagnostic, was to the point of ordering a rear caliper on 2011 mini coop after cleaning piston, dust boot. if this isn’t the problem, don’t know what else it could be. cheers

[@Angell_c]

Did replacing the caliper fix it?

[@highwinds71]

I can't believe schools charge to learn stuff like this but all the information about fixing vehicles is free on youtube, more insightful than learning about it in a book . Which btw I can't learn from reading I need visual , hands on.

[@JunkBondTrader]

If I had to learn about any subject on my own, I could do it much faster and more efficiently online, than I could in a school setting. If course I won't be given a degree this way lol. But yeah school can be a very inefficient way of learning, and so overpriced, in North America anyway.

[@snozzberrybush]

Learn the term credibility ya weird youtubing children.

[@gasisthepastendoil]

Blleedet didbt hekp mine

[@GeorgeWPush]

do all 4 wheels need to be jacked up first?

[@Kampup]

when i park on a slight hill and stop then press hard on my brakes then let off the brake peddle off the brake holds on for 2 seconds before it lets go, i changed the calliper and hose but its still the same, can you help me diagnose it please? thank you

[@bassyjay6281]

isnt that a security feature on most cars these days? mine does that and its not a issue

[@limamantapachitas]

short and effective video, thank you

[@kicoperi7837]

😢

[@joelabernethy5367]

Great video, thanks!

[@BoostedPastime]

Thank you

[@johnds6621]

I've had to replace my hoses twice on my ford truck already. Never had to with my chevy.

[@johnwhite192]

Yeah because Chevy is new lol. Don't worry it will lose transmission or engine before brake lines fail I got 4 ford and 4 Chevys and 1 dodge only ford still run. Not saying they run good they are all project vehicles. Vehicles are only as good as you take of it. Every brand vehicle has flaws. Some more than others . 03 ranger with 335k still has all original brake components other than brakes and rotors calipers normal maintenance stuff all rest original so it might be something you are doing off roading or you not installing them correct or you are buying wrong length

[@Koolaidfordemocratsfree]

That rotor should turn easier than that. When broke bleeder loose. Them sliders or pad groves are causing some of it.