Stuck Caliper?

[97 Avalon]

Hello Folks,

I've got a '97 Avalon and I've been having an issue with the rear passenger brake. It's getting quite hot and smells bad, and there is more resistance needed to turn that wheel when it's off the ground than the other rear wheel.

The whole issue started not too long ago. I had the brakes replaced by a shop and the parking brake was out of adjustment on that wheel causing the rotor to get very hot and warp. I have since fixed that issue by adjusting the parking brake.

Unfortunately, the rotor was already badly warped and the pads were worn down to nothing. I just put a new rotor and pads on this past weekend.

That wheel is still getting quite hot (still smells hot too) with a brand new pad and rotor. I'm thinking I have a stuck caliper. Do you think I should replace that caliper with a re-manufactured unit, or should I check something else?

Thanks,

Brian

[toyomoho]

If you can remove the tire you can view the caliper and pads, then determine if they are binding. If is possible the pad installation was not done correctly, a pad is hung up and failing to retract or a piston is stuck.

You should be able to take the caliper partially apart to remove the pads and check the piston.

[Nad1370]

Yes I would suspect a stuck caliper. But check your slides first if they are moving freely.
Any ripped boots on the piston or slides?

I had the same problem w/ my RX300. RF caliper was dragging. Piston boot torn. Just went to Lee auto parts and ordered me a Wagner re-man for $57 and called it a day. Funny part was the core charge was $55.
You can get a re-build kit for $15 but What the hey..I felt lazy lol.

[97 Avalon]

Yeah the slides are in good shape and moving freely. The pads were installed correctly so there is no binding there.

There are no visible fluid leaks that I can see and the visible rubber boots looked good. I think a stuck caliper is the culprit here.

I just ordered a remanufactured unit from AutoZone as well as a new rubber brake hose.

I'll keep you folks posted on the results when I install the two.

[fj40supraman]

Had the exact same problem on my '99. You did the right thing. Get a reman from parts store and replace it. Mine was not a sliding issue, but rather the piston seal was stuck. I paid $100, but in the auto world that is a pretty cheap fix. Mine stunk when it got hot, or I wouldn't have known it was going bad.

[97 Avalon]

I replaced my caliper with a reman and replaced the rubber brake hose. That resolved the problem.

Thanks for the tips!