Hi,

I have a problem with my brakes (2007 F-150 2WD) dragging after I let off the brake pedal. After searching here, one of the simpler causes for this problem sounds like the caliper slide bolts having insufficient lube.

So I'm going to try that fix first.

My question is, when removing the brake calipers, do I have to remove the whole assembly?

So there are two parts, the caliper that has the pistons in it, and then a second part that is more like a bracket which the pads seem be be housed in.

If I remove the bolts on the caliper, the ones that thread into the slider pins, should I be able to just yank the caliper off, leaving the brake pads behind and still attached to the bracket type part (pad carrier?).

And then once I have that off, I can remove and lube the slide pins, can I just put the caliper back 'over the pads', or do I need to compress the pistons a little first?

Any help is appreciated. I wanted to solve this today while its warm (45 degrees in Chicago) out. thanks!

 

I believe that the small bolts are the sliders. Take those out and hang/secure the caliper. Clean and lube and re-install.

Another cause can be contaminated brake fluid-bleed as needed. Or corroded hard lines or soft lines that are getting too soft.

Good luck.

It's cold here in Cali too-----maybe only about 62-65, don't know how I can take it! ha ha

 

The small bolts (less than an inch long) thread into the slider pins (which are maybe 4 inches long. The small bolts hold the caliper on, but it seems that the pressure of the pistons on the brake pads are snug on the backs of the brake pads. I'm not sure if I'm just supposed to yank the caliper off or not. I don't want to damage the pads, pistons, or clips/springs.

I replaced the brakes on a 95 Mustang, but I pulled the entire assembly off back then because I was replacing the rotors at that time, so just pulling off the caliper part was something I never did.

 

If the discs are worn, even just a little, then you need to compress the caliper to get it off (they're dragging right). It should just lift off after you compress it just a little, you don't need to compress it all the way, just enough so the pads rattle a bit. Then clean everything that slides and you should be good to go.

Also the pads will come off with the caliper, the one on the piston side has a clip at the piston, if they are like my 03.

 

I managed to get the caliper off. Hopefully I didn't mess anything up.

I just shimmied it back and forth and yanked it off.


I lubed up the slide pins and then compressed the pistons a smidge and put the caliper back on, bolted it up again.

Not sure if I solved my problem yet, though. Usually it (the squeaking of the brakes) doesn't start happening until after I've driven most of the way to work (about 20 miles). I didn't feel like driving that much today.

It seems to affect the various brake locations at random sometimes one, sometimes two, sometimes front, sometimes rear. I worked on the right front today so if that one stays quiet, maybe I've hit upon the solution. If not, back to the drawing board I guess.

 

Might want to do a complete flush/change of the fluid if it has never been done. It's amazing what clean fresh fluid can do.

Hope you got it.