Brake dragging?

[PPP]

Hi Guys,

I need your help. I drive a 01 E46 325 and I recently notice that my driver side rear caliber may not be completely releasing the rotor as I notice 3 things: 1) sometimes even when I am not stepping on the brake, I hear faint high pinch braking noise coming from there. 2) I see on my driver computer that I would lose mileage quite rapidly and then suddenly gain back some. 3) My car would behave sluggishly at times and then it would be ok.

My question is how do I know for certain that it is the caliber's problem? Is there any test I can perform to make certain? My second question is that if it is indeed that the brake is dragging, does it mean that the caliber is shot?

Thanks you so much
Philip

[redhatpat]

You can jack up that wheel, and with the parking brake off see if the wheel turns freely. If you hear any noise, you can track it down from there.

[DS Rook]

Originally Posted by PPP Hi Guys, I need your help. I drive a 01 E46 325 and I recently notice that my driver side rear caliber may not be completely releasing the rotor as I notice 3 things: 1) sometimes even when I am not stepping on the brake, I hear faint high pinch braking noise coming from there. 2) I see on my driver computer that I would lose mileage quite rapidly and then suddenly gain back some. 3) My car would behave sluggishly at times and then it would be ok. My question is how do I know for certain that it is the caliber's problem? Is there any test I can perform to make certain? My second question is that if it is indeed that the brake is dragging, does it mean that the caliber is shot? Thanks you so much Philip

Usually if the caliper is sticking, the wheel in question will get very warm. If you drive in the rain, that wheel will look dry when you stop. Sometimes even steam. The calipers can be rebuilt. If its your parking brake sticking, jack it up and release the brake(chock front wheels please) spin the wheels. Do this untill you feel comfortable that its not a problem.

[PPP]

Thanks guys