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turbojimmy's avatar
turbojimmy
Explorer
Sep 28, 2015

P30 (1984) Brake Question

I'm having a strange issue with the right front brakes on my Allegro. It's a 4-wheel disc system with the Hydroboost assist. The master cylinder, calipers pads and rotors are a year old.

When using the brakes, the right front one will slowly heat up and start to bind. I can feel the brake pedal get stiff as this happens. If I let it sit for 5-10 minutes or drive for that period of time without using the brakes I can feel the pedal go back to normal and it's fine again until I start braking again. I know it's the right front because it smells hot at that wheel. It doesn't bind hard enough to feel it in the steering wheel, but it's obviously dragging because it's getting hot.

I took it apart and don't see anything obvious. Pads aren't really even worn.

Any ideas as to what would cause this?

19 Replies

  • I vote for the brake hoses, my '87 Itasca had that problem. I replaced the hoses and no more problems.
  • Funny and Interesting just today took my 1989 P30 to the shop because the right front brake hung up. Kudos retiredblade
    Took it to my repair shop and they diagnosed the caliper as pitted and hanging
    However It has overheated the bearings so they have to be replaced. The brake lines where done a year ago.
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Two things I would check is the brake line and the caliper slide. If you apply the brakes while moving slowly and the MH pulls to the right and then straightens you're left brake hose is collapsed and vice versa. The slide can be cleaned with a wire wheel and then lubed so it doesn't stick anymore. I have had both of these problems with my P 30 chassis.
  • Check the pins on the calipers, make sure the are lubed and free.
  • Thanks for the quick replies! The brake line explanation sounds solid. I'll check that first.
  • Several things could cause it, I will list two.
    1. The rubber hose could be braking up and peeling inside preventing the brake fluid from flowing properly.
    2. In the brake caliper moisture could have pitted it and preventing it from seating properly and it overheats. I had that problem on a few Chrysler products in the late 80's.
    Check those two items out.
  • May be a brake hose collapsed internally.jack it up ,apply brakes.If it is dragging loosen bleeder,if it frees up replace hoses.lube caliper slides also