FIRE in the rim!

[lanerd]

Why is it that whenever I try to be NICE to the car by fixing something, it just breaks next time twice as bad? I've posted about the rear caliper issues, and after determining the parking brake was realeasing decided to try a junkyard caliper. Obviously never binded on the car I got it off of. So I put it on my car. Bled it until there was nothing but CLEAR, BRAND NAME, BRAND NEW brake fluid coming out. Drive up to get mom for lunch break, and when I got there the rear pad on that caliper was on FIRE!!!! so two queations I guess:
1.) Is 38 bucks for a caliper (bumper to bumper/oreilly) worth it with a 35 core? (Car quest wants 98 plus 70 dollar core)
2/) Mechanic put it in? Maybe Im doing something wrong? If so, how much time does it take? (to get an idea of labor)

If only I had never touched the rears (they ahd a little bit left at 135,700k gone 2000 with troubles all the way)

Thanks for ANY help/ideas

[frank6060]

There's always that possibility when we go boneyard but...Last year I had same problem with RR caliper on my 90 Lumina. I bought new and installed and still had same problem. A brake mechanic buddy came and checked that I installed correctly. He suspected restricted brake line not allowing fluid PSI to release. When we pumped brakes caliper would not release until we opened bleeder screw.There was no kink in line,but noticed a rusty metal tab around line. We bent tab back and wallah,caliper worked fine. Apparently the rust formed around this tab squeezed line enough to cause restriction so fluid pressure wouldnt release. Try bleeding brakes again and see if caliper only releases when bleeder is open. Also be sure the parking brake setup was done properly and disengaged.

[richtazz]

I agree with Frank. It could also be a rubber flex line that has broken down internally. When this happens, the rubber can act as a flapper valve not allowing the fluid to flow back up the line, causing the caliper to lock. You can test by pumping the brakes and observing the caliper. If it doesn't release, try wiggling the hose. If the caliper releases, you found your problem.

[lanerd]

I observed the brake caliper- it does release. I think what must have happened is someone dropped the caliper (probab ly off the counter where I left it for a little while) because its bent outside of it. The outboard caliper shoves into the disk at the bottom yet at the top theres free space... So is 38 bucks a good deal on a caliper?
Thanks

[frank6060]

For 38 bucks your buying a unloaded new caliper. This means your going to have to use some hardware from old caliper. I purchased my caliper loaded 98 bucks(Advance Auto) which comes ready to install. The unloaded unit was 42.00 You should consider buying a loaded unit. It will not only save you time but more importantly....AGGREVATION!! Good luck.