[FMile Pontiacs]

thanks I will try to fix the problem sometime this week and post the results here. Joe

[73LeMans]

I drove an 03 GMC 2500HD for 10 years. Had the same problem of dragging brakes. Always bought NAPA brake components. It was the caliper bracket in my case. NAPA guys said for 95% of the customers with issues, the brackets solved them. Already mentioned here I know, but first hand experience, that's what fixed my issue. When you replace the calipers, buy them with the brackets. And of course, always check brake pad fitment prior to mounting. File the ears of the pad is they wont smoothly glided in and out prior to lubing them up.

[Lightfoot]

Mark S,
Is the caliper bracket you refer to the same as some of the asian cars that have 'floating' pins that are encased in grease? Those are known to dry out and get seized. They will drag, but mostly cause rapid premature pad wear.
Don't know but the owner would notice difficulty getting new pads to fit in some cases, though.

I once had an experience with an '86 Chrysler FWD that all four wheels bound up from a miss adjusted rod in the power booster. That took me a couple of days to figure out.

[67drake]

Originally Posted by 73LeMans

I drove an 03 GMC 2500HD for 10 years. Had the same problem of dragging brakes. Always bought NAPA brake components. It was the caliper bracket in my case. NAPA guys said for 95% of the customers with issues, the brackets solved them. Already mentioned here I know, but first hand experience, that's what fixed my issue. When you replace the calipers, buy them with the brackets. And of course, always check brake pad fitment prior to mounting. File the ears of the pad is they wont smoothly glided in and out prior to lubing them up.

That’s what I was trying to describe. I couldn’t remember for sure if that was the truck it happened on as I’ve owned many.

[3 Chiefs]

I 100% agree with 67drake and 73LeMans. The pads slide in and out in a small track. There is a shim in that track and the pads slide within the shim. A small buildup of rust happens under the shim. This compresses the ends on the pads preventing them from sliding.
Remove the caliper bolts and set it aside. Then remove the bracket that holds the caliper.


If you have a bench vise place it in there.
Take a rough file edge or something similar and clean up that groove that the pads slide in. You can also put some brake grease or small amount of anti seize in the grove before you put the shims back in.
Also just so you know I believe most parts places carry these for about 20 bucks each. They will want your old ones for a core.
I have been through this and I bet this is your issue. Good luck.

Paul

[FMile Pontiacs]

thanks Paul I replaced the caliber brackets when I installed the new calibers and pad fit was good I believe its the booster but I won't know until later this week and I will post the results. Hopefully all this information will be helpful and save someone a lot of labor and money. I'm already around 700.00 in this little project doing the labor myself.