are my calipers siezed

[cnote_thunderbird]

hi i have a 94 gmc jimmy and im in the process of replacing the break pads and i cant depress the plunger on the front break caliper so does that mean its siexed cuc when i was driving it i didnt notice a pull when breaking or anything and the wheel spun freely . also is there anything i can do about it other than replace it ? if someone has the answer i would greatly appreciate it

[tempfixit]

How are you attempting to push the piston in on the caliper??

What do the old brake pads look for wear, are outside pads worn more than inside, etc?

Use a c clamp to depress the piston, I normally crack the bleeder valve as I depress the piston.

[cnote_thunderbird]

ya thanks that was a good tip i cracked the bleeder valve and got it o dont know what i was doing wrong before cus ive never had that much of an issue lol but thanks again cheers

[Chris Stewart]

Pay close attention to your brakes if cracking the bleed screw is necessary to depress the piston. When a brake line starts to fail, it'll leak through the inner liner then the inner liner can collapse and act like a check valve, holding pressure after you take your foot off the brake pedal.
It'll show up as wheel drag-pulling the car to one side or the other and/or excesive heat and pad wear.

[dr_lee29]

I agree, I've never had to open the bleeder valve, a c-clamp should be enough.

[jdmccright]

I've popped the cover off the brake master cylinder and removed some fluid from the appropriate reservoir so that it doesn't overflow...of course you could just as easily suck it all out and change the fluid while you're at it. Might as well since you're under there!

There should be resistance, but never enough to make it difficult to turn a c-clamp screw. If you have one brake piston jammed, you will definitely feel a difference when you go to compress the other side...the good side is alot easier.