Date: Wed, 07 Jan 2004 18:47:39 +0000 From: Grunff <grunffnopsam.com> Subject: Re: 1984 900S -- brake caliper seized in cold weather
jw wrote: > I recently bought a 1984 900S to replace my old 1984 900S, which met an > unceremoniously early demise when I was broad-sided by someone who ran a > stop sign (the car was unfortunately totaled). > > This morning, the front right brake caliper was temporarily seized up. The > car moved, but it didn't roll very well. I drove a few blocks hoping it > would release once it warmed up. When I pulled over, the caliper was > smoking. I started the car up again, and pumped the brakes and engaged and > disengaged the parking brake a few times, and the caliper released. > > We've had the coldest weather of this year in Rhode Island (teens F at > night, forecast to be in single digits F the next few nights). My old 1984 > 900 S never had this problem, but this is the coldest it's been since buying > the current car. > > Any ideas why this might have happened? Or suggestions for how to avoid > happening again? > > As always, any information much appreciated! Quick fix: Lubricate the lever on the caliper with generous amounts of WD40 or any other light oil. Make sure it gets right into the pivot pin hole. Long term fix: Replace/rebuild the front calipers. If they haven't been done, 20 years is a long time. -- Grunff