Symptoms
- Wheel won't spin freely, or spins with resistance, when the car is parked and in neutral
- Strong burning smell and visible smoke possible after driving
- Uneven or reduced braking with a pull to one side
Likely causes
- CommonRusted or corroded caliper slide pins that have fully locked upCommon after long periods of disuse or in areas with lots of road salt.
- CommonPiston fully seized inside the caliper boreCorrosion inside the caliper can prevent the piston from moving at all.
- PossibleCaliper bracket rusted solid to the mounting pointsPrevents the whole caliper assembly from moving properly.
- Less commonOld brake fluid contamination causing internal corrosionWater absorbed into old fluid can accelerate internal rust.
What to do
- With the car safely parked and in neutral (or safely raised), check if the wheel spins freely by hand.
- Note any resistance, grinding, or a wheel that won't turn at all.
- Do not drive the car if a wheel is fully locked; have it towed instead.
- Have a mechanic remove and inspect the caliper, including the piston and slide pins.
- Have the caliper rebuilt or replaced, since seized calipers often can't be salvaged.
- Have pads and possibly the rotor replaced at the same time, since a seized caliper often damages them.
Tools and parts
Brake caliperSearch: “brake caliper for your car make and model”
Brake pads and rotorSearch: “brake pads and rotor for your car make and model”
When to call a pro
See a mechanic to replace the seized caliper along with any damaged pads or rotor.
Safety
Use caution
A fully seized caliper can prevent the wheel from turning or cause severe overheating; don't drive the car until it's inspected and repaired.