Caliber locking up HELP

[joeyd50]

1992 S-10 Blazer 4.3 V6 4X4, Two weeks ago the left front Caliber was locking up, I replaced both front Cal. and now 2 weeks later the same thing, I replaced the left front again and its still doing the same thing, getting hot and smoking. HELP Please

[old_master]

The left flex hose is restricted: it either was twisted when replacing the caliper, or the line is collapsed inside, (fairly common after 10 years or so) . Either way, it should be replaced along with the right side flex line. Gravity bleed each side before pumping the brake pedal.

[joeyd50]

Sounded strange, but you’re the second guy to say the same thing, picking up the lines tomorrow.
Thanks You
Joe

[old_master]

No problem. There's also a flex hose at the rear axle but they generally last longer because they dont move around as much as the fronts do. With the fronts though, all that flexing when turning takes its toll and they weaken which causes the inside of the hose to collapse. When you apply the brakes, the pressure forces its way through the line and into the caliper, but when you release the brakes, the hose collapses and traps residual pressure in the caliper. Sometimes it will bleed back through the restriction and relax the caliper, but when it doesn't release immediately, it's time to replace the hose.

When bleeding, fill the master cylinder, then open one bleeder and let the fluid run out until no more bubbles come out. Then close the bleeder and do the same thing to the other side. After that, have an assistant pump the pedal a couple of times and do the final bleed to each wheel.... done. Let us know how it goes.

[joeyd50]

Put everything together today, Wife is back in business, but them two bolts that hold the line on the upper control arm are a F%$^ker. Thanks for your help.
Joe

[old_master]

I know what ya mean... If they don't come loose, I break 'em off and use new bolts. Did you have any trouble bleeding the system? Do the calipers release immediately now?

[joeyd50]

No trouble bleeding, alls good and working fine, thanks again old master.
Joe

PS: you any good with outboard motors?

[old_master]

Glad I could help.