Technical Front caliper sticking

[Mark W Robertson]

Hi guys,
I hope someone can help: front left brake caliper (drivers side) on my 2001 Barchetta is not releasing after braking. Done the usual; removed caliper checked and lub'd the bolts/slides.
Had real difficulty getting the piston back in, I had to open the bleed nipple and loose a bit of fluid, the piston moved freely. The caliper does release eventually but when motoring the brake overheats.
I'm guessing there's pressure building up in the line to that wheel? The other 3 are fine. I seem to have a little bit of free play in the pedal.
I'm not a mechanic but I have many years of tinkering on older cars.
I should also mention that due to Covid the car has sat idle in my garage for 8 months, it was perfect before lockdown. I gave it a bit of stick when I first took it out as I know the Barch'y loves that, it was then the problem developed.

Any thoughts/suggestions welcome.

Many thanks.

Mark.

 

[jackwhoo]

Hi guys,
I hope someone can help: front left brake caliper (drivers side) on my 2001 Barchetta is not releasing after braking. Done the usual; removed caliper checked and lub'd the bolts/slides.
Had real difficulty getting the piston back in, I had to open the bleed nipple and loose a bit of fluid, the piston moved freely. The caliper does release eventually but when motoring the brake overheats.
I'm guessing there's pressure building up in the line to that wheel? The other 3 are fine. I seem to have a little bit of free play in the pedal.
I'm not a mechanic but I have many years of tinkering on older cars.
I should also mention that due to Covid the car has sat idle in my garage for 8 months, it was perfect before lockdown. I gave it a bit of stick when I first took it out as I know the Barch'y loves that, it was then the problem developed.

Any thoughts/suggestions welcome.

Many thanks.

Mark.

When caliper is on the vehicle and brake stuck on, release the bleed nipple, if fluid squirts out and the brake releases from disc properly you have proved pressure build up in caliper . If not you need a new caliper.

Cheers
Jack

 

[turining]

Had this several years ago on a 1997 B.
Turned out that the flexible brake hose (old rubber type) had deteriorated internally and was blocking off the return of the fluid. In fact when I took the line off it broke on two.
With the calliper locked on, start by releasing the line union at the end if the flexible hose furthest from the calliper - if you get nothing out then that's your problem - release the first union and that should let the calliper return.
Of course if you get fluid out at the first union then there's a blockage further into the system.

If it is the flexible line it's time to change them all, there are some good newer types on the market.

Best of luck.

 

[turining]

A bit more.
When you undo the first union you will get fluid from the reservoir so make sure you look for fluid which should come from the calliper.
Don't empty your reservoir.

 

[Mark W Robertson]

When caliper is on the vehicle and brake stuck on, release the bleed nipple, if fluid squirts out and the brake releases from disc properly you have proved pressure build up in caliper . If not you need a new caliper.

Cheers
Jack

Thanks Jack, since I had the caliper off and lub'd it up it isn't locking on but not fully releasing causing drag and overheat. I've opened the nipple and there's no fluid squirting out so I'm suspecting a busted caliper? I hope there's no issue in getting hold of them, I'll probably replace the pair on the front.

Many thanks.

 

[Mark W Robertson]

Many thanks for this, I'll test the hoses, it does sound feasible but I reckon I've got a caliper issue. The fluid flows freely with the nipple open and pressure on the pedal, a blocked hose could explain why I can't get the piston back.

 

[jackwhoo]

Thanks Jack, since I had the caliper off and lub'd it up it isn't locking on but not fully releasing causing drag and overheat. I've opened the nipple and there's no fluid squirting out so I'm suspecting a busted caliper? I hope there's no issue in getting hold of them, I'll probably replace the pair on the front.

Many thanks.

https://www.brakeparts.co.uk/

Try these people good products and prices

 

[minimayhem]

I had this problem on a different car. Way to test whether the hose is blocking fluid return is to depress the pedal with the bleed nipple open, and pull the clutch up manually with the bleed nipple open.

Small or no air in the system? Blocked hose!

To be honest if you were able to return the piston with the nipple open that does indicate a hose blockage.

FYI Hel braided hoses are about £80 and come with a solo bleeding tool.

 

[Mark W Robertson]

Many thanks for this, it would seem I have a hose issue. I noticed that I had a varying degree of sticking depending on what position I had the steering wheel, hard right and brake; near total lock-up, centre; mild drag, hard left: heavy drag.
I'll get some hoses ordered and replace them all.

Cheers, Mark

 

[gar074]

Really useful thread - thanks all!

 

[Davefridge]

I was considering changing my brake hoses and found these Hel stainless steel braided hoses https://auto.helperformance.com/fiat-barchetta-abs-1-8-1995-braided-brake-lines . They seem to be the only people that do them for Barchettas. Car is 23 years old and fluid has been changed every few years but realistically how long can they last? MOT man says mine look fine and "if it aint broke, dont fix it"!

 

[turining]

Goodgridge do them also.
Mine have performed well.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_....l1313&_nkw=goodridge+barchetta+grey&_sacat=0

Lots of choice in colour BUT take care; the full kit is for 6 hoses whilst some of the sellers are showing they do only 4 (those will be the main hoses and not with the 2 short ones).

You can go to Goodridge direct but again think they only give you the 4 hoses.

Best of luck