Why will my brakes not release completely?

Asked by Healey_85 Jan 29, 2017 at 05:24 PM about the 2000 Ford Explorer XLS

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2000 Ford Explorer XLS with a manual transmission.
When I step on the brakes, they respond normally but will not fully release.  After about a minute or when I step on the clutch, the brakes will fully release.

Any recommendations?

1 Answer

74,270

Best thing to do is check the operation with the vehicle on jack stands. Have someone apply the front brakes while the wheels are off the ground. Obviously they should not turn. Have the person release the brake and see if you can turn the wheel by hand. If they turn with an ever so light drag, they are ok. Since the vehicle is 16 years old, when the brakes were service in the past, were the caliper bolts greased? When the bolts are tight, they should allow the caliper to move freely sideways to release the tension on the rotor. If not greased regularly (when pads are changed) the caliper can bind up when the pedal is released. Same process on the rear wheels.

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