I recently changed the front brake pads on my 1999 Accord LX. I noticed that the inner passenger side pad was completely worn down, while the rest still had life on them. I cleaned all the brake components with brake cleaner fluid and put new pads in. Now, a week later, I noticed that both sets of pads are dragging - both of the front tires were incredibly hot when I removed them to inspect the brake assemblies.

Any suggestions on troubleshooting? Do I rebuild the caliper on the passenger side since it had the incredibly worn inner pad? Or since now that both sets are dragging, do I look at replacing the master cylinder?

 

I don't think it is the master cylinder. Sounds like it would be a good idea to rebuild both calipers; it is not very hard. Remove the calipers, remove the pads, use a little air pressure at the inlet port to gently blow the piston out (put a piece of wood where the rotor would be). Remove the piston seal and boot, clean all parts well, install new piston seal (lubricate with brake fluid) and boot (lubricate with silicone grease - I think). Reinstall caliper. Make sure you lubricate the pins on which the caliper floats. Get at least a Haynes or Chilton manual for proper torques.

 

remember to look for pitting in piston bore that would prevent a proper seal and function. If pitting is lite you can take some fine grain sand paper to take off and rebuilt. If all else fails just buy rebuild one. gl

 

Thanks for the input. I put rebuilt calipers on both sides - no change. I replaced the master cylinder. It ran great for the first couple trips. Then all of the sudden, it reverted back to the brakes dragging.

This sounds like an obstruction (perhaps I knocked it loose bleeding the brakes then it formed back again after driving a bit). The driver's side seems a good bit hotter than the passenger side, so I would assume the hose here is fouled or collapsed. My question is - why would both sides be dragging if only one hose if fouled? Could it be something in the proportioning valve? I am trying to think of something common to both lines that would be clogged. Any suggestions?