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Aceman4
Dodge Dakota
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8/30/2004
20:20:13

Subject: Front brakes locked up
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99 Dakota V6 5 Speed 77K, V6, 2WD, Rear ABS Only.

Driving along today and stopped at a Red Light. Noticed a smell of burnt brakes. Checked to make sure the parking brake was off. Good. Noticed the truck was not rolling when I let off brake/clutch in and I was on a slight hill. Luckily I was only a few miles from home and made it home. Both front rims were extremely hot. Rear drums were cool.
I've replace the rotors and pads about 20K ago becuase of warped rotors. No pulsing since then.
Since both rims were got, I assume my calipers are fine. What next? How do I test the master cylinder or proportioning valve. I assume one off them is bad since only the front is hot. I let the truck sit for a few hours and took it for drive around the block. Seemed to fine after it cooled off. Any recommendations?
Thanks-Sean





CThomp
*GenIII*
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8/31/2004
09:11:53

RE: Front brakes locked up
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Have your calipers checked by a professional. My calipers locked up on me a couple of weeks ago and actually caught on fire. Had to have both calipers replaced, rotors cut, and brake lines replaced. Have them checked.



Noltz
Dodge Dakota
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8/31/2004
09:26:14

RE: Front brakes locked up
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I'd say 7 of every 10 times I get a vehicle in my shop with locked fronts it's the flex lines, NOT the calipers, that are the problem. Take it to a professional, it's worth paying an hours labour to make sure you're not throwing money at good parts.

More technical info;
When you apply the brakes, very high pressure is generated in the master cylinder, to the tune of 1500psi or higher. Flex lines can develop interior tears & bubbling. While 1500psi is available to apply the brakes, there is only a single rubber, square cut O-ring on each caliper piston to push it back. So any constriction in the flex lines from bubbles, cracks or dirt can cause the caliper to stay engaged. After a few hours, the bubble / crack may have bled out & receded, but the problem is still there.

If I were to guess, I'd change both front flex lines to be safe. They're cheaper than calipers and should be done with caliper changes anyway.




max
Dodge Dakota
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9/02/2004
09:29:13

RE: Front brakes locked up
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I had the same problem!!!! Here is the fix, the next time it does it loosen the nuts on the master cylinder(not remove) enough so you can pull back on it. Listen for a rush of air. If you hear air it's the master cylinder. Also you can remove the vacum hose and see if it has any effect on you peddle with the truck running. I replaced my master cylinder and it fixed my problem.



Chris
Dodge Dakota
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9/02/2004
20:14:30

RE: Front brakes locked up
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My left front caliper locked up last week at 25k miles on my 02.
I had to drive 20 miles with the caliper tied up on my frame rail and a 3/4 socket in between the pads where the rotor should be...
The lines were fine.
I replaced both calipers pads and rotors and its good to go.




Aceman4
Dodge Dakota
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9/11/2004
23:43:28

RE: Front brakes locked up
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Finally have power after 8 days without it. My house and Dakota made it thru the eye of Hurricane Frances last week. Only damage to my fence.

Thanks for the reponses. I've driven the car for 100 mi after the front lock and it hasn't occurred again. Thinking maybe the master cylinder is going bad.



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