Dragging Front Discs?

[JAWolfe]

2012 2500, 4wd, disc brakes at all corners, w/39000 miles. Never been impressed with the brake performance of this one. Got some squeal so I assumed it was time for new pads. When I raised the front end, I discovered that I couldn't turn either wheel. Pads gone and 1 rotor. Has anyone Got any idea? I checked for crimped lines, corrosion on the caliper pins, etc. This seems like fluid pressure remaining in the lines. Do 4 wheel discs have a proportioning valve?
Thanx,
Jim

 

[Missouri Mule]

Don't know. On older trucks the rubber hydraulic lines cave in when hot, causing the fluid to continue to hold pressure at calipers.

 

[DonFitzwater]

Where are you located? Rust belt rigs and coastal areas can experience corroded caliper hardware and frozen pistons.

Have you been able to seat the caliper pistons easliy?

 

[GCroyle]

Don't know hardly squat about the hydraulic side, anti-lock & valves etc. But I did get an advanced degree in my Airstream Dexter brakes dragging due to corrosion. 4 pistons/wheel. Boot seals allowed water to get in and corrode steel piston and iron caliper bores. Rust created enough drag to make 'em smoke one trip from drag. If you have non-metallic pistons then this don't help much but inspecting the dust boots is still a good thing.

 

[truckin-on]

Yep - had exactly the same problems w/ my 2010 3500 4x4. At about 20k miles, went for new tires, and found I could barely turn both front wheels. Not just dragging, but seriously bound-up, to the point that the truck would nor roll - even on a slight incline! Dealer replaced both calipers. Problem returned in about 10k miles, just not quite so bad. This time they replaced the calipers and the brake hoses - and that seems to have resolved the problem. I say, WTF could possibly be causing this, but it's clearly a serious problem and not unique to my specific truck. After replacement however, for the last 20k miles, it's seem to be OK. I never got a good explanation of exactly what was causing the problem.

All I can say is thank heaven that I invested in the Chrysler extended warranty on this beast, or I'd be seriously hurting from a cost perspective.

 

[BaldwinScott]

I took my 2009 in because the front brakes started pulling hard to the right when I applied them. Tech called me back into the shop and showed me that both front wheels would not turn and the rotors were almost seized. Had to replace both front rotors, calipers, brake hoses and brake pads. Have 50,000 miles on the truck and this little issue cost me $1500 bucks. Last Fall had to have one of the computer modules & A/C condenser replaced also, $3500....Wish I had that extended warranty now! After brake repair my mileage jumped WAY UP! Brakes must have been dragging for some time.