Front Brake Binding

Webbo · September 13, 2011

Hello all.

I have a Lexus IS200 2002. The front right brake seems to be binding/seizing slightly on all the time. I have had the caliper replaced, and also the flexible brake line but still having the same trouble. The wheel is hard to rotate by hand so it is definitely the brake binding, and constant noise from the front right at 50 mph and at under any speed under braking (I even changed the wheel bearing just in case it was causing the noise!) The front right disc also gets far warmer than the left. Things are getting expensive now.. anyone out there had the same problem or can give me advice it would be much appreciated!

Thanks for any help in advance....

Kiefels · September 15, 2011

I have had a similar problem after I changed my discs and pads.

The calipers seldom cause problems until the dust seals go and prevent the pistons from functioning correctly.

You had the caliper replaced but did you also have the slide pins replaced/checked/greased?

The slide pins are NOT on the caliper, they are on the torque plate (Mounting bracket)

That is the bracket that bolts onto the rear of the front hub. The caliper bolts onto that.

It is the torque plate/mounting bracket that allows the front facing pads to brake also.

The caliper is bolted onto the plate which in-turn is bolted via two long slide pins to the part of the bracket that bolts to the rear of the hub. It is these two pins that seized on my vehicle.

It meant that although the pistons on my calipers were functioning correctly, the slide pins were not so...only the rear pads (With the pistons operating them) would release. But the FRONT pads (Slide pin functioning) would not.

If you find a source for the torque plate/mounting bracket. Let me know because although I have freed my brakes enough to use them. I am STILL unable to remove the slide pins for complete clean up and grease. (My fear is I'm goin to snap them and then I have NO front brakes :/)

TigerFish · September 15, 2011

I agree with the above. There is a link in my sig to a tutorial I did for overhauling slide pins, it may help.

Webbo · September 15, 2011

Having looked at previous topics I had a feeling it was going to point to the slide pins... but I was unsure if they were a part of the caliper or not. I think that will be my next move as it sounds like a common problem. Thanks guys for all your advice, believe me it is very very welcome! If I find a source for the torque plate you will be the first to hear..

Webbo · September 15, 2011

TigerFish.. I just read your guide on the slide pin replacement. Many thanks for the excellent guide and especially for taking the time to post it on the website.

Webbo · September 16, 2011

Ok, slider pins replaced successfully.. piece of cake! Unfortunately the brake still seems to be binding. Its tight to turn by hand. At a loss on what or where to go next! I can only think it will lead to an expensive lump under the bonnet... Maybe a trip to Lexus for a plug in and analysis.

Webbo · September 17, 2011

Strange thing is, you give the disc a light tap with a rubber faced hammer and it completely frees off. Confused.... errr yep!

Webbo · September 20, 2011

Ok, quick update and a bit of info for all other guys out there who may have the same problem. After much messing around and the problem getting worse, I went over everything again. Turns out the new caliper was faulty, one of the pistons was stuck/sticking, the other had a small leak on it. Note to self, sometimes even though it is more expensive, it's better to pay the extra cash for Lexus genuine parts! Problem solved :0)