brake seizure...maybe?

[Bohizzle]

Ok, so i've noticed in the last few days while braking from 100km down to about 80 or so there's some crazy shuddering/shaking. Trying to diagnose what this might be i lifted my car up on jack stands and started poking around. My front left brake rotor is super difficult to spin, so it seems like the brakes are applying too much pressure...put the car in GEAR and mind you, i didn't push it but the rotor still wouldn't spin. Any ideas? The pads are thick.

[Rob23]

you mean when you push on the wheel you can't spin it freely? if you have the car hoisted up and in gear with the car off, the wheels aren't supposed to spin?

Vibrations while braking usually is because of a warped rotor, although sometimes brake dust or gunk can get in there and cause a vibration for a while, but should go away after some braking.

[Bohizzle]

the car wasnt it gear. I then turned the car ON and put it in gear, front right would spin, front left would not when applying the gas.

[Rob23]

the car wasnt it gear. I then turned the car ON and put it in gear, front right would spin, front left would not when applying the gas.

wow that is strange. I have never experienced this so the only advice I can give is take it to the mechanic lol. Unless you are mechanically inclined then take it apart and see whats going on.
I've only had my rear brakes seize but that was due to the hand brake.

[Zuluwun]

Sounds like a seized caliper to me.. The vibration may not be directly related, if so.

[Bohizzle]

K thanks guys, going to flush the brakes and see if that helps at all. I'm going to be calling Jimmy to see if I can get in at some point this week.

[Wes08M3]

Probably a seized caliper. Take the caliper off and see if you can compress the piston. If you can't compress it, it's seized.

[Bohizzle]

Brake fluid flush didn't seem to do anything. Will hopefully take my car to Jimmy on Friday if he has any spots open.

If the caliper is seized (I think it is - radiating a significant amount of heat compared to other wheel after driving), would he be able to dislodge it, or would I need to purchase a new caliper?

[peterm15]

Purchase new/used.

If you can do a fluid flush you can change it yourself.

As long as no bolts are seized it will only take 10 min.

[Bohizzle]

Just wanted to update you guys...

So the caliper was fine, took it apart, everything seemed to be in working order, cleaned it up and reinstalled. Bought some new rotors and pads (Stoptech pads and premium coated Proforce rotors from National Exhaust) and all issues are fixed! Must have just been a warped rotor!

Thanks for all the help!

Andrew