brakes stuck

[silentndeadly]

We have a 94 escort and keep having brake issues. If it is a cold morning there are no issues. When they get heated either from the weather or using them alot, they feel like they are in constant use. Even if you are not pressing on them they feel like you are, they just feel stuck. It is a manual and my husband has bled them, changed the calibers(i think) and just cant seem to find out why they are sticking. I am pretty sure it was the calibers but it may not have been. Does anyone know what this is or has some suggestions on what it maybe. Also I am not positive he is bleeding them correctly. I will have him read this when he returns, so if you explain I am sure he'd understand. Thanks.

[mightymoose_22]

Two things to consider.
1. The parking brake is out of adjustment and causing the brakes to drag.

2. One or more wheel cylinders has gone bad and is not releasing pressure. The calipers are on the front brakes, and if recently replaced should be ok. The rear wheels should have drum brakes. A hydraulic cylinder pushes the brake pad against the drum and is supposed to let go as soon as you are off the pedal. If the cylinder sticks then the brake continues to drag. If not fixed quickly then you might be needing new pads and/or drums on the rear.

First things first... identify which brakes are dragging. Jacking each wheel off the ground and spinning it by hand is a simple way to tell if brakes work and release as they should.

Bleeding improperly would cause a situation where the brakes do not engage. Your problem is just the opposite.

I suspect your problem will be with the rear wheels. If any work was done on the rear wheels, look into the parking brake adjustment first. It probably has too much tension. Just because the parking brake lever is in the down position does not mean the brake is disengaged.

If the rear brakes have not been worked on then focus on the possibility of a bad wheel cylinder.

[AzTumbleweed]

Another easy way to check is go for a drive on a road where you won't be using the brakes. After awhile stop and feel the wheels. If a brake is hanging up then the wheel will be hot. It could be possible that your master cylinder is hanging up and not releasing fully. In that case all the wheels will be hot.