85miles <85miles@gmail.com> wrote in
news:1183777478.253696.108660@r34g2000hsd.googlegr oups.com:


>
> This is a brand new caliper put on in January, it must have been a
> junk part put on at the garage. Ever since they put them on I've
> noticed some pull to one side while braking, and now the thing is
> totally messed... It does slowly release, seems okay on the highway,
> but in town, constantly braking, it gets jammed tight to the rotor.
> Im hoping to have this fixed next week. How much labor am I looking
> at? If its a pretty easy job I may try and do it myself.
>


Calipers ought to be replaced in axle pairs. Replacing only one is a
guarantee of pulling.

A caliper sticking like that is usually due to the piston mot moving
freely in its bore.

You can check like this:
1) Remove caliper from mount bracket;
2) Hold it, or hang it up so it doesn't dangle from the hydraulic hose;
3) Have a helper step on the brake pedal while you watch the piston;
4) If car is less than five years old, pedal may be pressed to the
floor. If car is more than five years old, press pedal only as far as it
does in normal usage;
5) Piston should move out of bore about 1/16" or 1/8" or so when pedal
is pressed;
6) When pedal is released, piston should move BACK IN slightly. Not
much, but enough to notice.

If the piston does NOT move back in -- however little -- then the
caliper was badly built or the piston is gummed up/rusted.

If the piston is sticking but is not gummed up, you can lubricate the
piston with Sil-Glyde or other silicone grease. Ask me how.


--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/