Caliper Locked Up After Brake Job - Need Help!

I’ve recently completed a brake job on my Chevrolet (specifically a Silverado), and now I’m facing a frustrating issue: the caliper seems to be locked up. I followed all the typical steps for changing the pads and rotors, but something isn’t right. Here’s what I did:

  1. Removed the wheels and took out the calipers carefully.
  2. Replaced the brake pads and inspected the rotors.
  3. Cleaned all parts and ensured proper alignment before reassembly.
  4. Lubricated the slides with the recommended brake grease.

After I reassembled everything and bled the brakes, I noticed that the caliper on the driver’s side is not retracting properly. It feels stuck, and as a result, the brake is continuously dragging, which is heating up the rotor and causing a lot of noise.

Questions I have:

  • Could it be an issue with the caliper itself?
  • Did I potentially miss a step in the reassembly?
  • Is there a common mistake that can cause a caliper to seize up after a brake job?

If anyone has experienced something similar or has troubleshooting tips, I’d really appreciate your insights! I’m eager to get my truck back on the road without this annoying problem.

I just had a brake job done and now my car struggles to slow down. Is that a symptom of a locked-up caliper?

Yes, decreased braking performance is a classic sign! You might also hear strange noises, which can mean the caliper isn’t releasing properly.

Exactly! It’s often the subtle signs that get overlooked until it’s too late.

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I had an issue where it felt like the brake pedal was vibrating. Anyone else experience that?

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Definitely! A vibrating brake pedal can be a sign of uneven brake pad wear caused by a caliper sticking. It’s crucial to catch these symptoms early.

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What unusual noises should we be looking out for? I think I have a squealing sound now…

Squealing may indicate a stuck caliper! You might also hear a grinding sound if the pad is wearing down too much.

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I can’t believe I didn’t notice this earlier! Is it common for mechanics to overlook calipers during a brake job?

Unfortunately, it can happen, especially if they are in a rush. Always get a second opinion if something feels off!

I’m no mechanic, but could low brake fluid also be a problem? I noticed my fluid was low after the job.

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Yes! Low brake fluid could indicate a leak or that the calipers are seized, causing them not to retract properly. Keep an eye on it!

If I have to replace my calipers, is it expensive? What should I expect?

Typically, caliper replacement can run anywhere from $150 to $300 per caliper, depending on your car model. It’s worth it for safety!

I hope it doesn’t come to that! I’d rather have a caliper that works than to have to knock on wood constantly and check my brakes like a nervous wreck.

Haha! Right, sometimes I feel like I’m reading my car’s mood more than its manual. We all just want to avoid the drama!

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It sounds like a classic case of caliper locking up! This can often happen due to improper installation or contamination in the brake system. Have you checked for any debris that might be affecting the caliper’s movement?

Absolutely! It could also be a hydraulic issue. Make sure that the brake fluid is clean and there are no leaks. Sometimes old fluid can cause issues too!

I faced a similar issue after my brake job. The problem was with the rubber seals in the caliper being damaged during the installation. Double-check to see if they are intact.

Great point! Is it possible you might have also compressed the calipers unevenly? That can lead to locking as well.