WD404Ever

I have a 2001 with 2.4L, auto, and 65,000 miles. It was a recent purchase from a private party and I am still working out some issues. After driving a few miles at moderate speeds the brakes begin dragging significantly, so much that it will come to a stop on level while still in gear if I let off the accelerator. I inspected the front pads and found the passenger side was worn completely down on the caliper/ piston side. So I replaced the front calipers and pads and bled out the lines, inspected the brake lines and hoses and they appear OK.. I drove it a few miles and brakes seem to dragging just as bad as before.

I have disconnected the fuse from the ABS system to see what kind of effect it would have and the it didn't effect the problem. I did notice however that the problem seems to appear at highway speeds or if I'm climbing a hill even at speeds of 25-30mph. It's not as much as the brake not releasing when I lift off the brake pedal, but rather the brakes are self-applying when the engine is under load.

Could it be a problem with the brake booster or some regulator valve not working correctly?

Chameleon-kat

That sounds strange. Do you have traction control? What happens if you turn that off?

WD404Ever

I have traction control. I switched it off and it had no effect. I believe the traction control is tied in with the ABS system and it's defeated when the ABS fuse is removed from the fuse block.

n2racing

The brake hose on that side is more than likely collapsed inside. Replace it and I'm sure that will cure your problem. I've seen this situation more than I can count.