Question about bad brakes

[mini zilo]

My 96 GSX needs new brake pads... When I come to a stop they are starting to make a grinding noise. So I need new pads. The rotors are fine, no damage to them. I was driving today, and then pulled into my friends driveway. I put the car into reverse (it's automatic by the way) and started to back out, but it felt like someone was holding the brakes a little. It felt like I was trying to reverse with the parking brake on a little bit. So I gave it more gas to get the car rolling... Then it felt like my front tires were dragging, like the brakes were stuck or something. So obviously I need new pads, but do you think my calipers are junk now?

I jacked the car up, put it in neutral, and tried to move the front tires. They move forward, but not backward (well, not easily at least.) Any ideas?

 

[ECLIPSEESPILCE]

A caliper could have seized, or if the pads are worn uneven or totally gone one could have wedged it self between the caliper perch and rotor. It may be stuck in a position where it only allows foreward movement. Pull the calipers off and check it out.

 

[Auto RS T]

Pull the wheels and check the condition of both the pads inner and outer. Same for the rotors. A grinding definately indicates a problem.

You want to make sure the pads have plenty of life and can slide freely in the caliper bracket. Remove them and the rust from the caliper brackets and hardware. Relube and reassemble according to condition of parts.

Check that the pins are properly lubed and not binding in the caliper bracket. If they are rusty, remove the rust, relube and install.

To check the caliper, break the bleeder loose with a hose on it going into a catch can. While the bleeder is loose compress the piston with an extra large adjustable pliers. Make sure the piston boot is not ripped and that it went in smoothly. Refill the master cylinder after doing both sides and pump up the brakes. Take it for a test drive if all the parts checked out.

 

[chaclark83]

Check your lines and make sure they are not clogged or pinched. Most likely the pins are stuck tho

 

[Talesin]

Also, I've had this problem myself before. What fixed it was getting the anti-rattle clips and installing them properly, with anti-squeal compound on the back and ends. Mine ended up with one end falling 'in' and wedging itself against the rotor. Going forward didn't make too much difference, but backing up would try to pull it into the rotor harder, making it grind badly.

Autozone sells the anti-rattle shim hardware for $12 per corner, if you lost/didn't bother with your OEM ones.

 

[914g63gsx]

If its grinding you might need rotors too. I would take them somewhere to get them miked, just to make sure their good. They could look good but be to thin then they would warp.

 

[a_flint87]

I had a 95 gsx auto, same thing happened to me. The bleeder was corroded and was leaking fluid, causing the pistons to become stuck out. It wasn't too much fun driving around to get a new bleeder. I would check it out. I also agree with checking out the lines and making sure they are not pinched and/or clogged. Good luck!