GREGGY446

I havnt had this 87 vert for very long so Im not sure of its history...but.. Ive replaced front pads, rotors, calipers and brake hoses. Gave her a good bleed and went out for a cruise. It pulls to the right--until you apply the brake. Which straightens it right up. Let go of the brake pedal, she pulls a little right again. Step on the brake she goes straight. So the right front caliper is not releasing all the way and the left side is simply evening the pressure. Put it back in the air to rebleed and confirm my thinking that right caliper is bad. Last night, I replaced said caliper. Gave her a good bleed....and...wouldnt you know it...she still has the same problem! I think the rear calipers need replaced as well. They dont seem to be squeezing as hard as they should. IMHO. Thats in next months part budget lol, Which makes me wonder....(and if anyones had this problem and reslolved it please lemme know!)....what are the chance I got 2 bum calipers? not unheard of, but still... And---could the back calipers needing replaced be a part of this problem? I thank you in advance for any thoughts
-Greg

7thvet

I've rebuilt my calipers there's a trick to getting the seals in but overall a couple hours each & very little money.
I have one of those temperature guns, I'd go for a drive & take each rotor & caliper temps. If one is dragging the temperature will show it. Take the temps out of the wind or you get false readings.

7thvet

Also alignment? Loose tie rod ends, wheel bearings.

GREGGY446

I dont have a temp gun thing, but last night i went for a short cruise and upon return i felt the rotors...right front extremely hot. left front pretty damn hot and both rears were warm to the touch. So im thinking Ill replace all the rear brake parts (which is the plan in the next couple weeks) and see where that puts me. Then reevaluate.

Vets-Vet

How about setting it on jack stands (or just a jack) and see if the tire rolls freely or there is slop in the front end as @7thvet said? Brake stuff is fairly cheap if you rebuild the calipers, replace hoses etc. Your dealing with 36 year old brake parts.
What about wheel bearings ???? another reason to set it just off the ground a little to check the front end. Also, cars turn right because of rear wheel problems as well.

GREGGY446

I had it on stands not too long ago. The right front wheel doesnt spin as freely as the left. Which led me to replace that right caliper again-to no avail. Suspension and steering parts are all tight. As i type this it occurs to me that its could be a wheel bearing, Although it isnt making the slightest bit of noise. Could still be bad of course. Ill scope that out this weekend.

Vets-Vet

Unbolt / remove the caliper from the knuckle and see if that makes a difference.

Tom400CFI

and in doing that, it should be obvious when you remove the caliper, if it's clamping on the rotor, or not.

GREGGY446

Spent some time on the brakes this weekend. Decided to replace what i thought was a defective caliper for the third time. While it was apart I confirmed that the wheel spins freely with the caliper off. Installed new caliper and with much disappointment (and a little anger) it still has the same problem. Also replaced the left RR caliper and hose. Still waiting on the right side rear. Ill revisit the situation after I get them all finished. I think I may try to get another right front from another vender just in the off chance I got 3 bad ones. But im leaning to something else. Thanks for the input guys.

Vets-Vet

Was there residual pressure in the line when you loosened it ??

Tom400CFI

....and/or, was the caliper "clamped" onto the rotor as you tried to remove it? Or were the pads "loose" on the rotor?

GREGGY446

I broke the line free of the caliper before trying any test. It seemed to "let go" once it was open. But something I noticed over the weekend..the anti lock light is on the dash. I think its been on since i started in on the brakes. Not sure if that will help in a diagnosis but figured I better mention it

Vets-Vet

You may be able to make a test by temporarily removing the abs fuse, I am not sure of your car so you may or may not have brake lights, just for an around the block test, also check to make sure your hoses at the caliper are not twisted.