Brakes Still Dragging? And Not a Frozen Caliper?

If your brakes still dragging after you replaced your caliper, it could be the flexible brake line.
⚠️Warning:
If you’re not comfortable on working on the brake system, please seek professional mechanic because of safety issues. Otherwise, watch this video for entertainment only.
❗️If you find this video helpful, I would appreciate a $uper Thanks that can be found below the video.
🎦 Watch this video on how to replace rubber/ flexible brake hose
• Rubber Flexible Brake ...
Brake Burning Smell? - Frozen Brake Caliper Replacement on Any Car
• Brake Burning Smell? -...
How to Bleed Brakes by Yourself - By Gravity or Vacuum Pump
• Save Money And Learn H...
Broken or Stripped Wheel Stud Removal & Replacement
• Broken or Stripped Whe...
#motorcanut
⁉️If you have any questions or I missed something, comment below and I’ll answer and try to help you out
If you find this video helpful, like it and subscribe to my new channel. I’ll have tons of videos on all kinds of car and truck repairs in the future.
⚠️Disclaimer:
The videos on Motorcarnut channel are posted with informational purpose only.
Information posted in this video does not guarantee any particular result. Use this information provided in the video with caution and at your own risk. It is the responsibility of the viewer to take this risk.
Motorcarnut is not responsible or liable for property damage, any loss damage, or injury related to or resulted from information posted in this video.

[@BreezyRider66]

Watched a few videos about dargging brake/frozen caliper, nobody else has covered the possibility of it being caused by a blocked (or partially blocked) brake line, great video thank you...

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank You, I appreciate the comment

[@SuperJlonergan]

I second that. Thousands of vids on the slide pins which everyone should know...this may be my current issue with my jeep

[@Motorcarnut]

Thanks! Good luck

[@garyvanburen2462]

My F150 has been wearing out pads very quickly and it even locked up in a parking lot. But then I backed up and then went forward and I was able to get home without them locking up again. I assumed it was the caliper so I put on a new one and now from time to time at low speeds the lock up problem is happening. I'll try that test of loosening the bleeder screw to release the pressure and see what happens. That does make sense. Thank you. I'm at wits end and ready to shop for another truck.

[@Motorcarnut]

Or try cracking the top of the hose connector, if it squirts out without brake pedal pushed, it’s the hose. Would have to re bleed that side of the brakes.

[@lothianmcadam1]

Had to scroll waaaaaaaay down to find this EXCELLENT video. I had the exact problem described here. The caliper piston, piston seal, piston boot, pins, boots, glides ALL looked perfect. I was stumped. Only ONE person on a forum suggested the hose as a possible culprit. So I went hunting on KZbin for validation and eventually found this video. My problem was a bad brake hose.

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you! Very much appreciate the feedback! Glad it helped!

[@kurtwm2010]

Finally, explained in detail from start to finish..... and without annoying music in the background. Guess what I will be doing on my day off tomorrow?

[@Motorcarnut]

Lol, thank you for the comment and good luck with the repair.

[@ladytennisplayer7198]

Excellent troubleshooting/diagnosis video. Thank you.

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you for your comment

[@lordtamal]

thanks for explaining in a simple and calm way how to do this. you sound trusting. thanks

[@Motorcarnut]

No problem, thanks for the comment

[@fernando3551]

Thanks a bunch for the info! I changed the brake flex hose, and the problem was gone! I remember that someone told me about that years and years ago I recalled it after I heard you say it! Thanks again!!

[@Motorcarnut]

Awesome! Glad it's fixed. Thanks for the feedback, Appreciated!

[@joelaw5207]

You're 100% correct. Ive encountered this very fault. My front brake was sticking so bad you could smell burning and it was very hot to touch, yet when i took caliper apart all looked good pins well lubed piston moving freely. A friend told me to change hose, exactly as you say over time they act as a one-way valve hence causing brake to stick. Great advice for anyone with a sticking caliper.

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you! Feedback much appreciated!

[@echoecho5244]

A car garage i went to thought i might have this problem but we had a go and it didnt help. Hopefully just need the pins lubricated and maybe the bit at the back of caliper where handbrake joins

[@Motorcarnut]

@echoecho5244 Master cylinder or abs system can be at fault as well.

[@echoecho5244]

@@Motorcarnut i suspect that they did not clean the caliper pins or apply silicone gel to them. My understanding is a new caliper does not come with new caliper pins.

[@Motorcarnut]

@echoecho5244 depends if you’re getting just the caliper piston part or the complete one with the bracket.

[@rustycaman]

Thank you! I had the same problem. And it was the brake line hose. WOW! Truck is fine now.

[@Motorcarnut]

You're welcome! Glad it helped and thanks for the comment.

[@winterband1]

This is an extremely helpful video thank you. Just had a caliper replaced with no change in a dragging issue. Symptoms point to a hose issue. Thank you.

[@Motorcarnut]

No problem, thanks for the feedback!!!

[@mangolighters]

This explanation is like music to my ears 🎼 perfect sense going to follow everything

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you! Much appreciated!

[@tosgrob]

This is the exact information I needed to see, thank you.

[@Motorcarnut]

You're welcome! Thanks for the feedback

[@lewisbechtel3000]

2012 gmc 2500 hd. You cured my brake problem. First sign of my problem was the truck had a slight pull to the left when i applied the brakes. It all of a sudden had a constant pull to the right while driving and not applying the brakes. Noticed the smell coming from the brake pads on my right front wheel. My first thought was to just go buy a new caliper but i decided to see if i could get the brake line off first. As soon as i loosened the bolt holding the brake line to the caliper the fluid came out like it was under pressure. Thinking that wasn't a caliper problem i searched and found this video. I did the steps to diagnose the problem with the flex line and it was exactly to the T. Installed the new brake line and the problem is solved! Thanks for the awesome video!

[@Motorcarnut]

Hey thanks for the write up and feedback! Glad you're back on the road! Awesome.

[@user-ts3lv6ch1g]

Thank you! This was the only video with this diagnostic approach that I can across. Very helpful!!

[@Motorcarnut]

Glad it was helpful! Appreciate the feedback.

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

Fantastic tutorial ! THOROUGH , no bs , clear coaching !! Thanks mate . 👊🏼 🔥 🧰 🎯

[@Motorcarnut]

Appreciate it!

[@andrewtravers7964]

Best informative break video ever two thumbs up

[@Motorcarnut]

Much appreciated! Thanks for the comment!

[@franka7033]

Best video on this topic thanks

[@Motorcarnut]

Most welcome! Appreciated

[@Amanda-lc3ns]

Thank you for explaining it so well!

[@Motorcarnut]

You're very welcome! Thank you for the comment

[@galerowe5257]

Thank you. I will check that out. I have been getting so many conflicting opinions.

[@Motorcarnut]

No problem, Also can be a failing master cylinder that's sticking internally

[@Random_cleans]

I replaced the caliper bracket amd slider pins yesterday amd was fine until today so i think this may be my problem. Thanks for the video!

[@Motorcarnut]

Sure, no problem! Good luck

[@iNFecTeDxCLhost]

thank you very much. Very well explained!

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you! Appreciate the comment.

[@Sam-yp2ql]

Thank you for this video! I had this same issue on 1988 Honda crx

[@Motorcarnut]

You're welcome!

[@daniel.s.stefanov]

Wow, hadn't thought of that!! Thank you!!

[@Motorcarnut]

You are so welcome!

[@rickamador719]

Very informative thank you sir cleared my concerns about this issue

[@Motorcarnut]

No problem glad to help

[@Chris-cj8hc]

Thank you this was very helpful!

[@Motorcarnut]

You're so welcome!

[@luxdedeus]

Thanks for your help!

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you for the comment

[@dougwitherby3291]

Well done for sure 👏

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you !

[@lebuskerfm]

Great video, very helpful all the best from Fergus in the Republic of Ireland.

[@Motorcarnut]

Hey tp Republic of Ireland My home! Thank you so much!!!

[@darnellwillis4450]

Great job

[@vitalsigns2679]

Thank you. Am having a very similar problem .

[@Motorcarnut]

You're welcome, hopefully an easy fix!

[@ezinghini9698]

Thx. Your words & video are very easy to follow & understand. Now I will check my brake hose as I did change my pads & rotors but, have drag. I did clean & grease the guide pins & the caliper pistons went back in fine. But, still not sure what might have caused my inside pad on one rotor to wear to the point of almost metal to metal. Brake pedal is spongy too.

[@Motorcarnut]

That’s your problem, the spongy petal. You have air in the system causing the uneven wear, if the piston goes back in smoothly.

[@ezinghini9698]

@@Motorcarnut Thank you & I think your right. I will bleed them before I do anything else.👍

[@lukewarren7857]

Thank you Just what I needed to learn and repair on my expiration

[@Motorcarnut]

No problem, good luck and thanks for the comment!

[@sakibh85]

Thank you for this video. This is exactly whats happening to my car. I have been scratching my head over it because i know the piston is not frozen as it will go back manually, quite freely. Yet the brake is dragging and warping my disc. Excellent video.

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you! It’s a very overlooked part thats why I made the video which has helped many people so far.

[@fernandovelez4795]

very well explained thank you

[@Motorcarnut]

You are welcome! And thanks for the comment

[@onlyme8870]

Yup this happened to my Land Rover DISCOVERY 2 rears. They were new. They got so hot and red from dragging on the highway my pads turned white dust. New calipers didnt solve it it was the line ends. I upgraded to stainless wirhe extensions and added a 3in lift. This vid would have been perfect for me. But to see it and watch was good for the mind for diy. Great vid and proper troubleshooting. PS this is an invaluable vid to learn fully as it can save a life or more.

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you so much! Very appreciated!

[@jorgevasquez-lz4be]

Very good video the best!my brakes are dragging thank you!!!!

[@Motorcarnut]

You're welcome! Thanks for the comment

[@kevincrockett2875]

Great video, thank you!

[@Motorcarnut]

My pleasure!

[@eduardogarcia2787]

Replace my brakes on my ford transit and the right rear wore out within the month. replaced the caliper and same thing happened. Seems like this is going to be the problem with mine. thank you for your video

[@Motorcarnut]

No problem, thanks for the feedback!

[@kylebruhn6058]

Phenomenal troubleshooting

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you! Appreciated!

[@MiguelReyes-km3pt]

Definitely needed this lesson

[@Motorcarnut]

Glad to help!

[@jcsmith9518]

Excellent!!! Thank you.

[@Motorcarnut]

Glad it was helpful! And appreciate your feedback!

[@liampaquette1597]

Perfect video, very in depth on the troubleshooting of the more simple parts to the brakes. If you’re a DIY guy it’s safe to say beyond the metal brake line is for a mechanic to see. Thanks for the video

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you very much for the feedback! mush appreciated!

[@daveknapp2000]

A master cylinder troubleshoot is not beyond the DIY...they are pretty basic and just read where the brake lines go to is all....

[@franciscoparedes9255]

Good stuff Man! I really appreciate the help

[@Motorcarnut]

No problem, thanks for the comment! Really appreciate it.

[@rstlr73]

great explanation , thumbs up!

[@Motorcarnut]

Glad you liked it!

[@israelmena7752]

Thank you for your video. Heading to the parts store now for a new caliper. It's definitely seized

[@Motorcarnut]

Glad to help!

[@revelationsofgraceandmercy6205]

THANK YOU !!! Never though that flex hose would go bad. Been replacing calipers on our F150 over and over and it's probably that flex going bad. My F350 has two locking up right now FR and LR, thought it might be the ABS box but I will do your hose check first. Thanks again!

[@Motorcarnut]

No problem! Thanks for the comment.

[@dnacannotchange]

Booster or vac pump

[@revelationsofgraceandmercy6205]

Hoses deteriorate causing the brake calipers to lock up. I replaced them all and replaced two brake calipers and had to clean the other two calipers.@@dnacannotchange

[@jimbond670]

Great video. Thanks.

[@Motorcarnut]

You are welcome!

[@bertconoly5233]

Great video and explanation. I was having trouble on my Kawasaki KLR650 rear brake. Same explanation! Thanks much, sir. You are a great teacher. \Best Bert

[@Motorcarnut]

You are welcome! Appreciate the feedback!

[@hometownautorepair3121]

Thanks for making this video

[@Motorcarnut]

Sure, no problem thanks for the feedback

[@fabianrivera727]

Thank you Sr Very Very helpful 👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Motorcarnut]

No problem. Thank you for the comment

[@carcasscruncher9354]

Most informative video for troubleshooting brake issues. Changed my rear caliper, took for test run and both front brake were smoking. Thought it was master cylinder and booster so took it to shop. Told them both fronts were smoking. They replaced caliper and hose on right side. Did nothing to the left. Didnt have any issues until today about 3 weeks after shop had it. Spent $1010 on that, not including the rear caliper I changed myself. Going to do this tomorrow mans try to figure out if it the hose or the caliper or both. If you want something done right, you pretty much have to do it yourself. For $1010 I probably could have changed all the rotors, calipers, hoses, and pads myself. What a waste of time and money.

[@Motorcarnut]

Thanks for the feedback and good luck!

[@Nathiest2]

Thats it. that caused my current issue. ty

[@Motorcarnut]

awesome! Thanks for the feedback

[@dennisgrubbs1929]

Great video Thanks 👍

[@Motorcarnut]

No problem 👍 thanks for the feedback!

[@gp9616]

Thanks for helping me understand why I'm still having a problem after replacing the caliper haha

[@Motorcarnut]

Glad I could help!

[@TheOops122]

Have you got issue fixed i have same issue before it was rear right break now its moved to front both. Cant find whats wrong

[@leadnsteel1428]

For me it was too much fluid in the reservoir. I had to suck some out cause they filled it too full.

[@duncanmcconachie3733]

Thank you!

[@Motorcarnut]

You're welcome!

[@robbietummel7086]

thanks for the knowledge....didnt think nothing of flex line being bad unless it leaked. good to know

[@Motorcarnut]

No problem, yep simple things can cause major problems sometimes.

[@stevenelson6349]

thank you so very much Sir.

[@Motorcarnut]

You are most welcome

[@70Aircooled]

Wish I would have seen this video before I bought new calipers, haven't confirmed it is the hose that was causing the dragging but I got a feeling it is. Anyway, great video thanks for posting

[@Motorcarnut]

Hey, no problem and good luck!

[@gdietz2]

Little long winded. The video could be shortened for more watches. But, you nailed it! That’s a great solution.

[@Motorcarnut]

You know when it comes to serious situations like working on brakes, I want to make sure people understand because I just don’t have mechanics or DIYer watching it came be people who never work on a car let alone brakes so that’s why I stress certain situations. But thanks for the comment! Appreciated!

[@ryankemp3602]

Lol, wish I would have see this about 10 years ago. I just threw parts at it. Replaced the calipers first, then worked backwards to the line. Also didn’t realize you shouldn’t push the brake pedal completely to the floor when bleeding, so also had to replace the master cylinder. Good times, but learned some stuff.

[@Motorcarnut]

Thanks, sometimes that's the way you learn.

[@timstuhldreherii865]

Thank you 👍👍

[@Motorcarnut]

Welcome 👍 Thanks for the comment

[@premraj2817]

Very informative

[@Motorcarnut]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markduykers6603]

Thank you for the very clear explanation of how to troubleshoot to component level! Just finished replacing rear calipers, rotors and pads on 07 Honda CRV and suspect right side is still dragging. Will do this simple test tomorrow. I tried to replace the hoses as well, but even with a flare end wrench, lots of Kroil penetrating oil and tapping with a hammer and punch, the nut at hard line connection rounded off on me! May be time to take it to a pro. Car has 210k miles, so hoses most likely need replaced and now one hard piped line also.😡

[@Motorcarnut]

Yes,don’t mess with the brakes if you don’t have the proper tools, be safe with a professional. Thank you for the comment!

[@markduykers6603]

@Motorcarnut Thanks for the reply. I jacked up vehicle, took off wheels, pumped the brakes 3-4 times and checked - both wheels turned freely. Not locked - good! I also did your check and just disconnected banjo bolt on both rear calipers. Both dripped slowly and continuously, so hoses must still be good. I still wanted to replace, because I bought replacements and others are old, but too tough to get line nut off, so I'm gonna leave it. Doing gravity bleed now...

[@Motorcarnut]

@markduykers6603 Yes, hopefully that’s it. Let me know

[@Prodbytae_games]

Life saver man

[@Motorcarnut]

Glad to hear that! Appreciated!!!

[@lawrencefeldman462]

This happened on my Mini Van . Scary stuff. Driving and it locked up on a trip. Took to shop no problem. My friend who is a knowledgeable motorhead...said replace lines and fluid. Fix worked.. but rotor was warped from heat. That was next in line for replacement after heat ruin it . Three shops could not find the problem. My buddy who raced cars and backyard mechanic knew.

[@Motorcarnut]

Sometimes owning a shop doesn’t make someone a good mechanic. Thanks for the comment!

[@lawrencefeldman462]

@@Motorcarnut true. even the dealership didn't figure it out. Glad I had a good friend who was a motorhead. He knew right off.

[@Dansfarmstand]

Great video! I changed my caliper and the fluid dropped from the line till I pinched it slightly. Put the new caliper on. Did fine at first then the same caliper new caliper started grabbing on way home from work. Thought maybe too much fluid so took a little out. Still same issue. Bled the caliper it did let up so could move the rotor eventually. Pressed on the brake and was able to move the rotor. Hopefully that works. Liked and subscribed. Thanks for the info.

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you for the Sub and feedback, really appreciate both!

[@mikimiki195]

Great video 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you 👍

[@OverlandOne]

Excellent video, thank you. I am guessing that if the internals of that hose are so far gone as to act as a check valve as you demonstrated, it is probably not too far away from total failure. (Bursting) I had a brake hose fail on me and the car I was driving had a single reservoir master cylinder (ignorant idea in my opinion) so I lost both front and rear brakes at the same time. That is an experience I would not like to repeat so I check my hoses every time I change pads on any of the vehicles I have owned since.

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you! Yes a lot of people overlook the simple things first. But yes, it can be a dangerous situation. I bet you won’t forget that again. Glad nothing happened bad.

[@sunilcherianpullockaran8817]

I know it is too late for a response being a 1-year-old thread, but for future DIY freaks, here is an insight. I had a confounding problem with my Chevy Cruze Diesel for more than 6 months when the calipers would not release after lifting the foot off the brake pedal once it got to high temperatures. The brake assembly used to be serviced the usual way at the authorized service centre by greasing the slide pins with appropriate grease from many different brands, but to no avail. The mechanic then felt it was the synthetic brake cylinder seal, but that too was not the culprit. I then decided to do a DIY of the problem and found out that the caliper pins were not the problem at all and neither was the piston rubber seal. The actual issue was with the front disc brake alloy pistons of the brake caliper assembly. Do not ask me why but the composition of the piston used in the Cruze Diesel in Bhaarath (India) was suspect as it enlarged minutely over time (it was not the brake cylinder rusting); I sanded it down and then cleaned it thoroughly and put back the assembly, and it has been a smooth ride ever since. Fuel efficiency too has gone up from 9kmpl to 14kmpl as there was severe drag from the brakes. Acceleration too has gone up by leaps and bounds. In my particular case, the piston was the culprit and not the sliding caliper pins, brake cylinder or the brake cylinder synthetic seal.

[@Motorcarnut]

That falls into the frozen caliper situation. I appreciate your insight on how you were able to fix your problem and congrads! Good information.

[@daveknapp2000]

It is a chevy...if possible don't buy in the future...lol :)

[@sunilcherianpullockaran8817]

@@daveknapp2000 well, in the past 39 years, I have had a plethora of Japanese and European cars including the Toyota Corolla which is considered reliable, but in the 14 years that I have owned this Chevy Cruze 2 liter diesel, the only unwarranted change has been the lower A arm and the issue with the brake piston assembly. None of my earlier cars have been as reliable as this Chevy and after 200,000 km, it is still on its first clutch assembly, even after driving it in stop and go traffic of Kerala, Bhaarath (India). The so-called Corolla has not been as reliable and started giving me trouble after 4 years of ownership. Maybe I am just plain lucky with the Cruze diesel. I do presently own a Honda City too, but when travelling interstate, I prefer the Cruze Diesel for its tremendous acceleration and frugal nature at the pump.

[@wheelie63]

very helpful,,,,,............ thx !

[@Motorcarnut]

Glad it helped!

[@dylonabubo7513]

I'm about to replace my rotors and break pads and also try and clean the calipers + all the shingles in it. Hoping this ain't the problem but it's good to know about this 🤞

[@Motorcarnut]

Thanks, good luck

[@JasonLee-lv7tm]

Wtf shingles are you mentioning? I know that shingles are on roofs, never heard of brake caliper shingles

[@xacvierhsx]

Really good video

[@Motorcarnut]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the comment!

[@antherthalmhersser7239]

Great vid

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you!

[@christinagaffney9124]

Thankyou

[@Motorcarnut]

You’re welcome 😊

[@project0077]

Thank you for this video. My brakes were dragging once they heated up. I pulled the hose off the caliper no fluid was coming out. I replaced the hose, bled the brakes, problem solved

[@Motorcarnut]

You're welcome! Glad to help!

[@LETMELIVEDAMN]

Thank you bro💯💯💯💯💯

[@Motorcarnut]

No problem!

[@quevicular]

Great analogy. Maybe make mention to check the sliders on the caliper and see if they are bound up as well because this stops the brakes from releasing

[@Motorcarnut]

I did say if you replaced your caliper and it's still dragging.

[@MegaTapdog]

he did several times, watch the whole video instead of skipping through it

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you!

[@seanbretzer6614]

Great video. Wish I would of watched this video before replacing new caliper rotors and pads because tire is still sticking.

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you! Hopefully it’s the hose.

[@Redbeam92]

Man I hear you! Exactly changed pads and calipers in nov 13,2022 brakes in front were sticking badly!! Last week, smelled burning smell and heavy amounts of brake dust on front wheels. Changed entire assembly. Pads, calipers and this time rotors and still as of today 3/1/23 major sticking again on passenger side with burning and dust again. Tomorrow I’ll check the hoses hoping it is

[@Motorcarnut]

That would be the cheapest solution. However the master cylinder on its way out can also create your problem.

[@user-wu8yo1yr6w]

Dude you are a car god man lmao only video explaining right like this thank you

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you so much! Really appreciated!

[@MR-TR3B]

gud vid i was about to buy a master, thx

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you! Hopefully this is it. Good luck

[@hoosierslots2184]

Changed my brakes, rotors, and caliper. Changing break line tommorow.

[@Motorcarnut]

Make sure your master cylinder is good because this can also cause a caliper to stick.

[@hoosierslots2184]

@@Motorcarnut it was the brake line to the caliper. Who would've thought.

[@Motorcarnut]

That’s why I posted it, most people don’t. Great news!

[@WestchesterSewingMachineCo]

You’re good you.

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you!

[@patmancrowley8509]

I had this problem. The repair shop, during an inquiry, suggested replacing the brake line hose. Did that and that was the problem.

[@Motorcarnut]

Great! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@tweaked53]

I like your presentation style and down to earth advice, thank you! I have a baffling problem, don't think it's the brake hose yet, but I installed new rear calipers, rotors and pads on an 07 Subaru Outback, and the brakes locked up tight immediately, brand new (remanufactured I suppose) calipers from 1-A Auto, can't figure why they're seizing. Tried the bleeding process and the calipers didn't unlock so I'm assuming it's a bad caliper or a brake hose after all.

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you very much for the comment! Yes very well can be the brake line if not master cylinder would be my next check.

[@frankenstein71]

Very useful information. Thank you for the video.

[@Motorcarnut]

Glad it was helpful! And appreciate the feedback!

[@thomasdaum1927]

Thanks !……..

[@Motorcarnut]

Thank you too!

[@mazdafy1428]

Excellent info, out of the box thinking! I was wondering how it would get blocked in the first place?

[@Motorcarnut]

Hey thanks for the comment and good question! What happens is the inside of the rubber starts to deteriorate due to age, heat etc. and starts to crack and flake acting like a one way valve so when you press the brakes the fluid pushes the pistons out and when you release the brake pedal the fluid gets trapped in the flaking rubber and doesn’t release the pressure.

[@mazdafy1428]

@@Motorcarnut ahhh thank you so much!

[@Motorcarnut]

No problem

[@charlesabtjr.5563]

I had a 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. Did the same thing. Got so hot it started to melt the wheel cover. Changed out the flexible lines and it was fixed. The lines collapsed on the inside.

[@Motorcarnut]

Yes, it’s more common than most people think and easy overlooked.

[@dangerdavefreestyle]

One things for sure, I recently bled my front brakes on the bike and there was a bunch of crud that came out. Nasty stuff accumulates in there and it was acting the same way, not only the caliper sticking but the lever felt weird. I did not crack the bleeder to see if it would spurt, i only instinctively began bleeding the brakes and now they are much better. So im guessing if i use one of those pinching clamps on that rubber line you have there then it will cause it to deteriorate more? You know some of those have an inner plastic sleeve, the rubber is just there for flexibility and protection.

[@Motorcarnut]

It’s possible, I would just replace the brake line for peace of mind.

[@nicholasjr.2315]

Finally a vid with my exact problem! For my 02 Honda Civic it has left me braked locked 4 times and I have done everything including replacing the 2 rubber lines on the front of the car but once again it has left me stranded thinking I fixed it figuring that there was a backup suction not releasing into the master because of the line. The wheels would unlock once I break the bleeder now the only other thing I can think of is the master cylinder .... anyway you can help me or give me any suggestions I'm losing my mind

[@Motorcarnut]

Like you said, it’s probably the master cylinder or abs problem

[@nicholasjr.2315]

@Motorcarnut would it possibly be the master with those exact same symptoms? thanks for your time

[@Motorcarnut]

Yes

[@oldbiker9739]

in the rust belts the clamp that holds your brake hose rusts and closes off the brake hose , seen it a few times .

[@Motorcarnut]

Good info, thanks!

[@quevicular]

With this also affect the traction control and ABS light coming on the dash as well

[@Motorcarnut]

Not really

[@pinoyhandymanofalltrades]

thank you sir that is very helpful info I have the same situation sticking my front break from left side brought my truck at the mechanic to replace my break pads I fix this stuff normally i do mechanic myself problem is I don't have time to replace it so busy at work so I end up bringing to the mechanic they change the pads the next day I heard loud squeaking in the front I brought it back and they told me that I have a bad caliper because those are plastic piston so they will stick its a ford f150 EB so I end up to buy a new whole assembly two new caliper now in a few days I was wondering I can smell a burning break pads I try to touch the caliper it burns my finger but the rest of them its alright I can even touch them and I heard its like a popcorn that is pooping sound so that is very hot I try to pump and bleed to make it sure will turn but still not turning thanks for the video well explained.

[@Motorcarnut]

No problem, thanks for the feedback. Yes does sound like it’s locking up, don’t drive it like that you can lose the brakes and ruin the rotor and pads.

[@pinoyhandymanofalltrades]

Yes still dragging and its so hot the caliper should not frozen because its brand new both front but except for the left front its stuck its hard to turn i cant turn it freely

[@In.Spirit]

I just had a collision where the master cylinder was pressed on by the fuse box, no noticeable damage to the exterior of the master cylinder but the brake lines were pushed over a little (not pinched). My brake pedal is acting like the system is not getting enough vacuum, the pedal becomes stiff, BUT the brakes are EXTRA sensitive and do not fully disengage unless I come to a complete stop and force the pedal to the floor for a full range of motion of the pedal. If I'm in slow but moving traffic where I only partially brake, not coming to a complete stop, the brakes stick/drag and if I'm on the highway the truck starts shaking because it's like I'm riding the brakes and they're heating up so I have to pull onto the shoulder, stop completely and fully force the stiff pedal to the floor and release in order for the brakes to release. The idiots at the dealer said it's not a result of the collision, just a coincidentally failed vacuum pump. They're idiots, the brakes work, TOO good, the OPPOSITE of what happens with low vacuum. but the pedal is stiff, the breaks are SUPER touchy. What's the deal? Before I go play process of elimination, throwing random parts at the problem. 2017 Silverado, L86

[@Motorcarnut]

Could be an ABS problem. Being the truck was in an accident regular trouble shooting over the internet is not going to work because who knows what got damaged. This has to be looked at in person, sorry

[@micro61micro]

85%correct

[@Motorcarnut]

Yes, can be other things as well but most people miss this, that’s why I made this video.

[@karltaylor5643]

Very high chance that brake line might be my problem. 1989 S10 passenger front rubbing and getting hot. I believe the caliper is original. Pads and rotors replaced about 15yrs ago. Rotor is still good. About 209k miles.

[@Motorcarnut]

Definitely time to change it either way for safety

[@sonnyboymjsimelane2446]

im driving megan Renault, ive changed caliper, and changed brake booster also changed abs pump, the results are the sameit keeps binding or freezing, on one side , left side. i really get to understand that non of the brake booster or abs pump is fault as it only binding on one wheel, which i thin might be the pipe as you suggested that the brake fluid doesnt go gack after realising brakes, after opening the nipple it brakes okay and after geting hot it starts again, binding. ive changed so many mechanics and no luck

[@Motorcarnut]

Change the rubber brake line, it's probably the problem. Can also be a the master cylinder

[@nickl8830]

I don’t know what side you are on (front or rear); however, if you are on the rear you need to release the e brake, which would release the pressure and allow the rear wheel to spin. I get that’s not the case here, but it’s something to be made aware of.

[@Motorcarnut]

Well that should go without saying, but any extra info is always good. Thanks for that.

[@jasonspencer6990]

I caused the problem myself. I suspect many of you have as well. I didnt secure the caliper and just sat it on top of the rotor. It fell and the hose caught the full weight of the caliper. It didnt look worn or tore or cracked. The hose didnt leak. However it was damaged internally and that was my problem. I replaced the hose and fixed the issue.

[@Motorcarnut]

Yep, that will do it

[@cognac8297]

, line behind the caliper,It also could be the abs module brake line under the hood.

[@Motorcarnut]

True, or master cylinder etc.

[@justinmammana3362]

Man I’m having this problem right now, cars fine cold. After a few minutes of driving the caliper sticks to the point where the rotor was glowing. Replaced the caliper first thinking it was seized. Then replaced the brake line. Then bled all the brakes and still nothing. Then we took the lines off shot air through them cause we thought maybe something was stuck inside and still nothing. So only other thing we can think of is a master cylinder.

[@Motorcarnut]

Yep, I bet its the master cylinder, not all symptoms of a bad master cylinder are a mushy brake pedal.