Hello folks,
I have a 1999, F350, V8 Turbo Diesel 6 speed.
Yesterday while driving at 50 I noticed a problem. The right front brake caliper is stuck on such that the pads are dragging. The whole thing started to smoke.
What causes this?
What is the best remedy?
Thank you.
Eric

 

You need to replace the caliper. The piston is stuck.

 

Good Morning and Happy Easter!
There could be a few causes for something like this among which are the caliper itself doesn't have enough clearance to move on the caliper pins. The pins could have become dry and corroded and the caliper remains up against the pads and also the brake hose could have a restriction preventing the fluid from returning to the master cyl thereby holding the caliper applied.
Most of the time it's one of the first two mentioned. If no cause can be found there , consider the brake hose to that caliper. There is always the possibility the caliper itself has a problem.

 

Rusty, Hanky,
Thank you. I'll check all that out.
Regards,
Eric

 

usually if you replace one why not replace both hose and caliper that way you can get rid of the guessing and know for certain that there's no restriction in the line or the piston is stuck inside the caliper. one other thing that you take a look at is to make sure that the rotor is in good shape by having it turned or replaced when it was smoking it stands a very good chance of warping it

 

OK. Removed the caliper. One of the piston seals was shot and the bore is rusty. Going to toss the caliper for a new one. And yes I checked the rotor for run out and fortunately all is well.
Thanks for all your help!
Regards,
Eric

 

You know you should replace the other caliper also because they both worked the same amount of times. Doing just one with the conditions you described is asking for a repeat on the other side. Changing just one unless they were replaced recently is asking for trouble and that is why any good shop will always replace them in pairs. The same goes for rotors . Things that were done in the past don't always pay with today's vehicles.
Don't know where you drive, but in 1999 the speed limit in most places was around 55 where today it is much higher and stopping is much more harder on the brake systems and parts than it was back then. It doesn't pay to gamble with brake systems.

 

Hanky,
Thank you. I plan on doing what you suggested. Regards,
Eric