Brake caliper pistons - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

rickboo · 07-11-2010, 09:01

Hey all, just wondering if the caliper piston is supposed to go all the way in till it is flush with the caliper, when the brakes are released. My front rotor is getting quite hot because the pads are touching the rotor all the time. the piston is sticking out around 1/4 of an inch from the caliper or even a little more. I have A 97 SABLE

**Bert** · 07-11-2010, 12:58

They do stick out a little. Not sure of the distance but that sounds pretty close. The pads are always just touching the rotor. Can you turn the rotor when the brake is released? Is it just one side?

rickboo · 07-11-2010, 13:22

Hi, I believe it is just the outside pad that is touching. When I jacked it up and turned the wheel after it had cooled down the wheel did not turn freely like it is supposed to. I had to put some effort to turn it and it was pretty hard turning on the pad. It is only doing it on the front right

rickboo · 07-11-2010, 13:36

The rotor gets so hot that I burn my finger touching it

**Bert** · 07-11-2010, 14:02

If the caliper piston moves in okay, maybe the brake hose is breaking down inside and holding pressure on it. When it doesn't turn like the other side, open the bleeder and see if that helps.

rickboo · 07-11-2010, 14:05

okay, I will loosen off the bleeder screw tomorrow and get back to you. Thanks for the help

**chipset** · 07-12-2010, 08:01

Your caliper slide is seized. If the inside pad was touching it will be the caliper piston that
is seized. Check your front rotor bearings because if the rotor gets that hot you probably
boiled away all the bearing grease.

suednim · 07-12-2010, 18:54

Examine the rotor closely, too. If it has turned blue or has a bunch of fine hairline cracks it is ruined and should be replaced along w/ the pads.

rickboo · 07-13-2010, 10:59

Hey all, I come to find out that my problem is the rear calipers. They are both kaput along with the rear rotors. The right rear is sticking and the left rear is not working at all now. Only the fronts are working and thats why they are getting too hot. I have to replace both rear calipers and rotors. It figures that they are more expensive than the front. Thanks for the input and will let you know how it turns out.

**Bert** · 07-13-2010, 13:00

Thanks for the update. Keep us informed.