brakes New Calipers Won't Release

[jscaptura1]

After changing both calipers and steel brake lines from the hoses to the calipers, then bleeding the brakes,  my calipers won't release after letting off the gas pedal.  If I release the pressure from the bleeders, the rotors will turn freely.  As soon as I apply the brakes again, the calipers won't release.  Am I correct in that my next step will be to replace the hoses?  Is it possible that I crossed the 2 lines and hooked them up to the wrong fittings?  When bleeding, the rigt front caliper does not allow the same amount of brake fluid out as the left front caliper.  Any suggestions?  Thanks for the help!

[baller908790]

Is this with the car on or off?

[jscaptura1]

With the car running, up on jack stands and wheels off, I pressed the brakes, the left front released and the right front did not.  I turnrf the car off, pressed the brakes again.  The left front released again the right front stayed on.  Released the pressure from the right front caliper by loosening then tightening the bleeder screws.  Right front moved freely.  Applied brakes with car off, right front would not release and left front is more difficult to turn.  Hope that description will help.  Thanks Again!

[pojo]

I am quite sure this is a classic symptom of failed brake hoses. It has happened to me twice, but once it was defective caliper. I changed hose first, then caliper.

They swell internally, seeming fine with a visual, but essentially act as a one way valve. The pressure cannot release. I would say this is a safe next step.

Good luck.

[FB73tii]

Agree with above. Are the flexible lines that go from the strut to the body of the car rubber and old-looking? If so, get a set of stainless braided flexible lines and replace those old lines. As said, they swell up and block brake fluid flow when old. A set of flexible lines is $80 -$100 including the rear lines, which you should replace as well as they as likely as old as the front. Or just get new stock flexible lines.

 

--Fred '69 & '74tii

[jscaptura1]

Thanks for the info Guys!  I have a set of rubber hoses from Autopart international.  They actually had them in stock!  I have already (several years ago) replaced all of the rear brake lines.  The front hoses look good but I am sure they are the original lines.  I am going to get into them tomorrow & Monday.  My biggest concern is breaking the lines that come through the body to the flex hoses.  I am planning on cutting each hose and then turning the hose and not the steel lines.  Hopefully this will keep the steel lines and fittings intact.  Then I will attach the new hoses to the older lines and then to the new lines that travel to the new calipers.  Thanks again for the help & I will update on how the job is progressing.

[rms_sandiego]

Get a set of flare wrenches otherwise you'll round the nuts. Trust me, you'll thank yourself...

[jscaptura1]

Rob,  Thanks for the advice on the flare wrenches.  Me being the cheap bastard that I am, had decided to myself, "I can make it work with my regular wrenches".  Then I sat down & started looking at those lines and said " do I really want to replace those lines all the wayfrom the master cylinder?"  No way, drove over to Sears, bought a set of Metric flare wrenches, right front lines came off nice and easy, no turning of the firring on the steel line.  But Rob, you were wrong on one thing, I am not thanking myself, I am thanking YOU!  I sat therelooking at those lines and saying "Rob said that for a reason, I really need to listen to someone other than my cheap ass self for once!" Will ley you know how the other side goes when the parts come in on Tuesday.  Have a great Holiday!