2002 GT Brake issues
#1
2002 GT Brake issues
I have a 2002 Mustang GT Convertible I have owned since new. It is a limited use car (24,800 miles) and has always been garage kept. It has only been in the rain twice in it’s lifetime.
My problem is that every 3-4 years the brakes (calipers) start to not release completely, causing the brakes to drag. In 2013 I had all 4 calipers replaced and all the old Fluid removed and replaced with new and the front calipers are starting to not totally release again. I suspect the issue is moisture, since brake fluid (DOT 3) has a tendency to absorb moisture. My research seems to indicate that I can Not change the system over to DOT 5 (silicone – a fluid that doesn’t absorb moisture) brake fluid because the Mustang has ABS brakes.
To clarify ‘limited use’, my GT had 23,400 miles in 2013 when I had all 4 calipers replaced, it now has 24,800 miles on it. So it has only been driven 1400 miles in the past 4 years.
So what do others do who have limited use Mustangs to prevent this brake/caliper problem?
My understanding of the problem with DOT 5 in ABS systems is that the ABS (pulsing) action causes the DOT 5 fluid to foam, thus affecting the brakes (peddle softness). Since my Mustang will never see snow or the types of conditions that would cause the ABS brakes to activate frequently and when the Mustang is driven, it is a Sunday Driver, I’m wondering if I could get away with replacing the DOT 3 with DOT 5 Silicone?
Thank you in advance for any ideas on what I can do beyond rebuilding the brake system every 3-4 years or driving the car ALOT more.
- Russ
My problem is that every 3-4 years the brakes (calipers) start to not release completely, causing the brakes to drag. In 2013 I had all 4 calipers replaced and all the old Fluid removed and replaced with new and the front calipers are starting to not totally release again. I suspect the issue is moisture, since brake fluid (DOT 3) has a tendency to absorb moisture. My research seems to indicate that I can Not change the system over to DOT 5 (silicone – a fluid that doesn’t absorb moisture) brake fluid because the Mustang has ABS brakes.
To clarify ‘limited use’, my GT had 23,400 miles in 2013 when I had all 4 calipers replaced, it now has 24,800 miles on it. So it has only been driven 1400 miles in the past 4 years.
So what do others do who have limited use Mustangs to prevent this brake/caliper problem?
My understanding of the problem with DOT 5 in ABS systems is that the ABS (pulsing) action causes the DOT 5 fluid to foam, thus affecting the brakes (peddle softness). Since my Mustang will never see snow or the types of conditions that would cause the ABS brakes to activate frequently and when the Mustang is driven, it is a Sunday Driver, I’m wondering if I could get away with replacing the DOT 3 with DOT 5 Silicone?
Thank you in advance for any ideas on what I can do beyond rebuilding the brake system every 3-4 years or driving the car ALOT more.
- Russ
#2
What ever you do, don't go DOT 5. How do you know the brakes are dragging? Is it pulling to one side or the other? If the brakes are sticking when you first start the car and pull away, that is simply rust from the pad material sticking to the rotor say from washing the car. Drive the car more to loosen things up. The worst possible thing you can do to a car is not drive it.
#3
Since I replaced the calipers in 2013, whenever I washed the car (it doesn't get too dirty) I have always taken it for a drive to heat up and dry the calipers, pads and rotors before it goes back in the garage. There is no rust on the rotors' surface, the issue seems to be the caliper piston(s) not releasing and I assume that is from rust caused by moisture in the DOT 3 Fluid.
I guess I am going to have to drive the Mustang more in the future after I replace all the Calipers again. I may start to have the brake fluid purged and replaced each year.
I was just hoping that the automotive fluids industry would have developed a brake fluid that does not absorb moisture and is compatible with vehicles with ABS brakes.
Thanks for your reply.
- Russ
#4
After a 5 mile drive I checked the rotary temps, rears were 90 - 95 degrees, left front 105 and right front 170 degrees. I then jacked up each front wheel and while I could spin the wheels, there was a lot of drag (friction), especially on the right front. I performed this same process on my 2013 Edge (primary car) and both front wheels when jacked up, spun with no drag at all, rotary temps were 80 in the rears and 85 in the fronts.
Since I replaced the calipers in 2013, whenever I washed the car (it doesn't get too dirty) I have always taken it for a drive to heat up and dry the calipers, pads and rotors before it goes back in the garage. There is no rust on the rotors' surface, the issue seems to be the caliper piston(s) not releasing and I assume that is from rust caused by moisture in the DOT 3 Fluid.
I guess I am going to have to drive the Mustang more in the future after I replace all the Calipers again. I may start to have the brake fluid purged and replaced each year.
I was just hoping that the automotive fluids industry would have developed a brake fluid that does not absorb moisture and is compatible with vehicles with ABS brakes.
Thanks for your reply.
- Russ
Attachment 76420
Attachment 76421
Since I replaced the calipers in 2013, whenever I washed the car (it doesn't get too dirty) I have always taken it for a drive to heat up and dry the calipers, pads and rotors before it goes back in the garage. There is no rust on the rotors' surface, the issue seems to be the caliper piston(s) not releasing and I assume that is from rust caused by moisture in the DOT 3 Fluid.
I guess I am going to have to drive the Mustang more in the future after I replace all the Calipers again. I may start to have the brake fluid purged and replaced each year.
I was just hoping that the automotive fluids industry would have developed a brake fluid that does not absorb moisture and is compatible with vehicles with ABS brakes.
Thanks for your reply.
- Russ
Attachment 76420
Attachment 76421
DOT 5 IS compatible with ABS, what is not compatible with DOT 5 is the rubber in the brake hoses, master cylinder, and brake calipers/wheel cylinders (if equipped). Unless you are replacing all of the rubber in your braking system out with Silicon compatible seals, you cannot put DOT 5 into your system.
#5
so the right front is dragging correct? crack the bleeder open and attempt to spin the wheel, if it makes it easier then id suspect the hose at being faulty. If cracking the bleeder doesnt alleviate the tension then the caliper would be suspect.
#7
I'll have to try the bleeder.
All 4 rubber hoses were replaced in 2013 when the calipers and fluid were replaced and from the outside look brand new.
Thanks
#9
So at this point I will have all the fluid drawn out of the system, replace the front Calipers and rubber hoses and fill the system with new DOT 3 Fluid. Then every year or so I will have the brake fluid drawn out and replaced with new ....... AND start to drive the Mustang more.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions and comments.
- Russ
#10
Is it common for the front calipers to stick? I just did my 1st brake job on my 2000 Mustang GT convertible. I pushed the pistons in 1 by 1 with a proper brake tool (I thought it was odd that when I pushed in the 1 piston in the pair that the other one did not pop out). After the job was done and I pumped the brakes and both front calipers would not fully release. I can't turn the wheels by hand, but I can with a wrench on the lug nut. Since I have replaced my front flex lines and bled the system, but still as soon as I pump the brakes (with the car turned on or off), the front calipers stick. I don't feel any real resistance pushing in the pistons either.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post