saleen brake lock up

[thgach]

i was driving my saleen fox sat and the left front brake would not release thought it was a stuck piston in the caliper but it turned out to be a colapsing left front brake line. Any body else had this problem? My buddy and mechanic said its and often overlooked and people think just replacing the caliper would fix the problem

[88-0030]

Wow. I'm an old-time member and rarely log-in. I just found this and have the same problem. Thanks for posting your troubles. Next time I take the car in for service, I"ll have them check it out. I have had the same problem, but only during hot summer days.

[Dave]

Rubber brake lines age. It's a good idea to check these lines for weeping and/or to replace for age... replacement = general safety insurance.

[89 SSC #56]

This happened to my car 2 years ago (the rt front), but it was the caliper not the brake line.

[nitrocrate]

:frown: I have the same problem. I have a FOX 88 SALEEN CONVERTIBLE. The driverside front brake locks up about once every 2 years. I have not been able to pin point the problem. Within 15-20 min. the problem disappears.

[Dave]

Keep in mind the calipers can also stick. Known problem with Mustang SVOs. Sitting dormant for extended periods of time can also have an impact.

It is good measure to inspect these systems every spring/ new season. Also to inspect, and flush the fluid as standard maintenance.

[89 SSC #56]

If its happening once every 2 years, I would replace the calipers (87 lincoln mark 7 calipers) and replace the brake lines why your at it. It shouldn't cost much, and would be well worth it. Good luck

[TOM LEAR]

Yes, Brake lines,Calipers,silicone brake fluid is also a go idea!! But here is one that I had in 1989 with my new 88 Saleen. Brake Booster Push Rod Measurement was too long. I called Saleen in 1989 and they told me that sometimes they would re-adjust to give firm brake pedal. If this is off it can give the same problem!! You will find adjustment in 1988 Ford Mustang Shop Manual on page 12-50-1

[S351r]

Any of these cars will do it if it sets. If you don't drive it very often bleed the brakes every so often. The trash that develops is what causes the sticking. This will cure the issue unless it is a bad brake line. There is one other way that works but, I don't advise it.

[cacalaky]

I've got the same problem on my 90. IT it rarely driven and both calipers will stay engaged and heat up after driving the car for 30 minutes or so. Any thoughts?

[JTH74]

My SSC did the same thing the first time I drove it, both frt calipers stuck, it was the brakes lines that collapsed, I replaced mine with stainless steel braided lines and had all 4 calipers rebuilt, all fluid drained and replace with DOT6 synthetic, no problems at all since! Statesville NC here, we need to get together sometime, I will have my SSC at the Autofair on Friday Sept 11th,hope to see you there!

[87saleenpony]

Hello. This just happened with my 87 Saleen on the left front. I saw down below that the caliper, if needed, is a 87 lincoln mark 7 calipers. Is this correct? What's the best way to identify if it's the rubber hosing or if a new caliper is needed? Thanks

[Idefix]

can copy that prob on my 89. left front got stuck at really hot weather. i got to fix that immediately. changed break lines. but was calliper problem.
i had to use standard ford stuff for the moment. (hard to get lincoln stuff here) breakes awful now.:eek:

[87saleenpony]

So, if the front caliper on my 87 is bad, the replacement would be a 87 lincoln mark 7 caliper, correct? If it is the rubber brake hosing from the caliper to the frame, what is the replacement for this? Standard 87 GT/LX hosing or the lincoln mark 7?

[88-0030]

Hey there, I want to thank everyone for there comments about how they fixed their brakes. I finally got the car into the dealer, gave him a copy of all of your comments which helped them find the cause. My brake lines were ok, but the left front caliper had frozen up. It took a week to find the correct parts, (SVO & Lincoln parts), but they fixed it. The trouble was with the left front only, but they recommended to do both on the front which they did. Sure, this cost some $$, but the brakes are like new again.

Thanks again for this forum.
Bart in Portland.

[Dave]

One thing to keep in mind, that I don't see mentioned is, the OE Lincoln/ SVO calipers used a plastic piston. These pistons were prone to fail and then stick. Some re-manufactured/service calipers have a stainless steel piston.

[Idefix]

you are right! i had the plastic ones...