I have a 2002 1.6 zetec focus. A recent MOT showed that the nearside front brake was slightly binding but nothing to worry about...yet. last weekend when i was accelerating up to 60mph i noticed a rumbling noise which increased with higher speed. first thoughts were wheel bearings but a quick check showed a seized brake. discs and pads were replaced about a year ago, i have replaced the caliper and flexible hose, and cleaned and de-burred the carrier then applied a small amount of coppercrest where the pads contact the carrier. unfortunatly none of this has cured the fault at all. the car now feels like im riding the brake at all times. What else could the fault be? master cylinder? ABS?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Charlie

 

charlie

i had the exact same problem on my estate, on the front nearside the piston gaitor/rubber had split on the caplier and was letting water into the piston which made it seize.

i could be on a small hill and it would hold with out the hand brake or anything from me!!

i also changed the caliper and found it was still doing the same thing but not as bad... checked the rest of the calipers and guess what, they were ALL seized or limited movement due to split gaiters.

in the end i changed all four and put in new pads and fresh fuild and problem solved.

might be worth checking the rest of calipers and hand brakes cable.