left caliper is dragging. replace caliper or M.C.??

[wbones9]

Hello, I have an 88 Magnum with teh Kohler motor. I replaced all the chains and bearings this summer and it has been running well until the last few trips. Now after about 15 minutes, the left caliper starts to drag heavily, to the point it will seize.

I am assuming the caliper will not slide back open, and I dont think it is the M.C., however I figured I would post here to see if that is a common issue.

So should I just go ahead and order a new caliper and pads?

[Rock Doctor]

Change your brake fluid.
If your brake fluid has any water/moisture in it, it will expand when it starts to heat up. The expansion will pressure up the brake system, causing the brake to drag.

When it happens again, try pulling the cover off the master cylinder (just need to loosen it). That will help you get to where you're going, but will not solve the problem (temporary fix).

RD

[wbones9]

I will try that. I have a feeling my cap does not seal correctly, so I don't *think* it is building pressure, but I am not sure. My immediate trail fix was WD 40 on the rotor. It atleast got me to where I could hoof it back.

[Supermag]

You can buy rebuild kits for the M.C. and caliper. Just make sure you replace the fluid with the recommended type.

[ARGOJIM]

It's possible the brake hose it chaffed on the inside, If you loosen the hose at the caliper and it frees that's a good possibility if RD's fix doesn't work.

[wbones9]

You can buy rebuild kits for the M.C. and caliper. Just make sure you replace the fluid with the recommended type.

is there a type of fluid that I can buy at a auto parts place, or does it have to be Argo brand?

[Rock Doctor]

You can get it anywhere, just make sure it's DOT5

RD

[millirad]

I don't know how an ARGO is set up, but I have had similar problems with M.C.'s on other vehicles. Check to make sure the brake pedal is adjusted correctly. Master cyclinders release any pressure built up in the lines when they're pistons are all the way back. So if the pedal is pushing in on the rod, while at rest, pressure will build in the lines when the fluid heats up.

[rapidroy]

I don't know how an ARGO is set up, but I have had similar problems with M.C.'s on other vehicles. Check to make sure the brake pedal is adjusted correctly. Master cyclinders release any pressure built up in the lines when they're pistons are all the way back. So if the pedal is pushing in on the rod, while at rest, pressure will build in the lines when the fluid heats up.

This is good advice, use the instruction manual to adjust the plunger rod in the master cylinder properly, then double check. Just ask moos-a-boo... RR.

[wbones9]

Where can I download the inst manual? I have the parts manual, but that is it. Or is there a brake adjustment procedure written up somewhere?

[Cougar]

Where can I download the inst manual? I have the parts manual, but that is it. Or is there a brake adjustment procedure written up somewhere?

Go to the home page on the top left of the page it says manuals. There is a Argo repair manual you can click on.

Cougar