front disc brakes- 66 sprite

[bullno]

Novice Bruce- 2 years 4 months and still restoring. Put on rebuilt front brake calipers. Bled the lines but there is still considerable drag on rotor. The rear brakes (drum) disengage when released. Open the bleed screw slightly on either side it frees up both sides. Since the rear brakes release I would not think my problem is in the master cylinder. Anyone have any suggestions. Thanks Bruce

 

[14dna]

That sounds suspiciously like the flex lines to the calipers.
They collapse on the inside, and yet look good on the outside.
If they are older, my suggestion would be to change them.

Hope this helps.

Dave

P.S. too make sure, instead of loosening the bleeder, loosen the line as it goes into the flex hose.

Good luck.

 

[mightymidget]

Decribe drag: Won't turn, lightly touch,hard to pull with hand??

It may not be a problem at all

 

[RickB]

Mine were doing this too, before I had worse problems.
I have been taking it easy on the brakes since, slowing by compression more.
One suggestion people made for me was to check the brake light switch, sometimes it hangs up / interferes with the pedal.
If it's screwed in a bit too far I guess this can happen.
Also of course the flex lines, they don't last forever.

 

[mightymidget]

Easy test for bad brake lines is to open bleeder, and see if it sqirts, or if rotor turns free

 

[spritenut]

There is drag on the front brakes, centrifugal force of the spinning rotor is what moves the pads back. If you are stepping on the pedal and checking the front brakes with the car on stands, there will be drag. If everything is new, expect lots of drag until the pads seat.

 

[bullno]

Thanks for everyones advise, the lines are new and I get good flow through bleeder. I don't have the tires on so I am pulling on just rotor, I can turn but it is hard. Will proceed forward and check when I get it down. thanks for everbodys advise. Bruce

 

[nomad]

Bruce: Probably not a concern of yours but while you are on the subject of dragging front brakes I wanted to mention that I have found that getting the cut away on the caliper pistons aimed in the correct direction [down] is somewhat critical. Noticable in dragging brakes once you get back on the road.

Kurt.

 

[racingenglishcars]

Open the bleed screw slightly on either side it frees up both sides.

This statement alone says it's not the flexible lines. It is also saying it's not the calipers or pads. Therefore the problem must be the master cylinder not releasing or another physical obstruction in the hydraulic system common to both front wheels. Try adjusting the push-rod between the brake pedal and the master cylinder, or possibly the brake pedal pivot is rusty and sticking.