Is my Brembo brake caliper seizing?

I am about 40k miles and 1/2 inch of brake pad life left all around. However, my driver side rear brake is rubbing when the wheel is turning. It has been getting progressively worse over the last week.

I removed the wheel and inspected. Disc rotor looks fine and is smooth. Brake pads look ok, and the caliper bolts are on tight. I also have recommended DOT 3 brake fluid filled to the line.

What could be causing the caliper to seize and not retract back like it's supposed to?

How can I alleviate this problem without taking it to the shop?

Thank you

 

Your post makes no sense at all. Your wheel is rubbing or hitting the caliper when you are rolling?! Means you have the wrong size wheels on. Or are you trying to say your caliper is not releasing the pads so it's in constant contact with the rotor? If so, your pad should have no life left if it has been doing this for a while compared to the others.

 

Pistons don't retract back into the caliper. The piston pressure on the pads is reduced when you take your foot off the pedal. The pad stays in contact with the rotor. I don't understand why you think you have a problem. If you jack up the car can you spin the wheel by hand with the parking brake off? If so then you don't have a problem.

 

Agree. Simple troubleshooting method.

 

i just installed a set of 06+ brakes. they were very low mile, but had sat without fluid for almost a year before I got them. So, on my first few drives, I brought along a non-contact thermometer. I use a culinary laser, but any one would do. I checked that the brakes were around the same temps (Left and right, Front and rear will be 50F or so difference). If your caliper is sticking, after a few stops and turns, youre gonna see 150F-200F on one side, and 350F+ on the other. or even higher.

like this one.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93984
they even have cheaper ones which would work fine, you just have to get alittle closer because the spread on the area measured is wider on less expensive units

 

My Caliper is sticky. Thus when my wheel spins, the brake rubs the disc more than it's supposed to, creating unnatural noise.
I have all factory wheels and Brembo brakes.

 

If the piston is not returning properly you have several options:

a. Rebuild the calliper with a kit.
b. Replace with a rebuilt calliper
c. Replace with a new calliper.

 

You are welcome.