Calipers keep going bad on '97 F-150

[ZMan]

My dads truck is a '97 F-150 4x4, it has about 90k on it, so obviously it sits a lot. It seems the front calipers only last about 4 years on it. Its on its THIRD set of calipers right now, and they are now showing signs of locking up. Has anyone else had a problem like this? Is there a trick to making calipers last longer if a truck sits a lot? This is getting rather annoying (as is with anything on this truck).

 

[shane96ranger]

Is it the pistons hanging up? If so, check the brake fluid for contaminants like water or rust. I would put brand new fluid in the lines just to be sure.

 

[cavibird2005]

Cardone (Orielly) Sells a reasonably priced Caliper W/ a Life Time warranty. (For my 150 they sell Locally 16.99 for left and 18.99 for right, ) I'd go that route, and flush out that fluid like shane said.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

The trick is to flush out the brake fluid every year. it absorbs moisture and becomes acidic.

it also loses its ability to withstand heat without boiling.. which causes your pedal to goto the floor and lose braking

 

[adsm08]

Fluid. If it killed one set of calipers it will do in the next ones, and it won't take long.

 

[shane96ranger]

My 97 F150 I just bought appears to have this same problem. After some searching on some other forums, it appears it is also recommended to replace the brake hoses as well when you do calipers. I read a couple of posts that said the hose gets crap inside, and will make the caliper not release. Sounds pretty common on them.

 

[brinker88]

The thing you have to realize about brake fluid is, it actually picks up water over time. For example, A bottle of brake fluid sitting on a shelf is only good for 1 year (depending on climate) because by the end of that one year, it is 1/8 good 'ol H2O (which is not good for hydraullic systems).

I would definitely crack all bleeders and force all new brake fluid from the reservoir using the brake pedal. I would run at LEAST 2 quarts of it through before closing them.

 

[cr_the_machinist]

Pick up a hand held vacuum bleeder, well worth the $40~60.00. Makes bleeding your system a breeze!