Dragging brake

[Rootbeer Roadster]

I took the car out last weekend for a short drive. When I was almost home I noticed the car decelerated very quickly when I let off the gas. I hit the brakes and it seemed better. When I get home I discovered the left front brake was very hot. I have the PBR brakes that came with the complete kit 13 years ago. I can push the car easily now so It seems OK. Is there something I can do to prevent this from happening again?

[Lidodrip]

I would check the caliper slide pins - make they are clean and lubricated (using appropriate lubricant).

James

[i.e.427]

It's most likely the piston. PBR in their infinite wisdom used phenolic pistons in those calipers. They get hot, and swell.

Frank

[CraigS]

This has become very common w/ the PBRs unfortunately. There have been many threads about finding stainless pistons for them but it seems that is no longer possible. You could rebuild them but generally now, it is more cost effective to buy rebuilt units instead. Rebuilding yourself isn't really that difficult except getting the piston out. If you haven't done it before it can be nerve racking and even dangerous.

[Rootbeer Roadster]

It's most likely the piston. PBR in their infinite wisdom used phenolic pistons in those calipers. They get hot, and swell.

Frank

Thanks

[Rootbeer Roadster]

This has become very common w/ the PBRs unfortunately. There have been many threads about finding stainless pistons for them but it seems that is no longer possible. You could rebuild them but generally now, it is more cost effective to buy rebuilt units instead. Rebuilding yourself isn't really that difficult except getting the piston out. If you haven't done it before it can be nerve racking and even dangerous.
Thanks where can I get a rebuilt unit? Should I replace both?

[CraigS]

Someone will know the proper year Mustang to use when ordering. Off hand I am not sure but once you have that you can order from about any parts store. Yes, I would replace both. If for no other reason than you will probably need to bleed both fronts when you replace just one so might as well do both.

[jab351w]

99-04 Mustang GT (not SVT Cobra). Rebuilds should be readily available from the usual sources.

[SJDave]

I had the same problem on my car, 11 years old. I bought new phenolic pistons from Rock Auto (2001 Mustang GT) only to discover they were 0.0015" larger in diameter then the old used ones. Couldn't even compress them into the calipers when brand new. So I have a lathe, so I decided to turn them down 0.003" on the diameter figuring the old ones were sticking at 0.0015 smaller, so why not go another 0.0015". Worked out great, no problem installing them new and not sticking and no fluid leaks after 2 years on the road. They were not very ROUND.... material came off all the way around at -.0025" removed. I'm sure a local machine shop could turn yours down for a very reasonable cost.

[JJ in Cbus]

I had the same issue on my front right caliper. When driving back from my registration inspection I noticed the drag on the brakes. It was almost locked up by the time I got it home. Never had an issue before during go cart "Test Drives". This was the first time I had driven the car more than a couple of miles and it got a chance to heat up. I replaced the braided hose and there was no change. I finally replaced the caliper with a 1999 rebuild from AutoZone. I have not had an issue since. I only replaced the one caliper. The other only had testing miles on it and was not giving me any issues. 5k miles later, so far, so good.

[Rootbeer Roadster]

Did you replace the pads and rotors along with the caliper. My car has about 14k miles.

[egchewy79]

I'd just replace the caliper. plenty of life left on the rotor/pads unless you're hoping to upgrade braking distance.

[John Ibele]

Yep, common problem as already noted. I found a place that rebuilt brakes. I had powder coated my front calipers, so they charged me $60 for a rebuilt caliper, harvested the pistons and pressure tested them in my caliper, done for less than $100. The other option is cobra brakes with 13” rotors, which don’t use the phenolic pistons.

[AC Bill]

Sounds like the kind of issue where the product should be re-called, and replacements provided at no charge. Brakes are a safety issue and should be a high priority. PBR (REPCO) is a big company, it's not like they couldn't step up.