03 Ranger Trailer issue

[xcoach]

Posted this on Ranger forum but have since realized I should have posted it here. Got to the launch this morning and smelled a brake smell. Sure enough my caliper must be locked up but I could roll it around in the carport when I got home. Plenty of fluid, no leaks. Have had them locked out for years because it’s only a 4 mile trip. How could the caliper be sticking if they have been locked out. Just wondering why. Not positive that’s the issue. Where do I start to troubleshoot.

[Lightning 6]

Check caliper bolts…..I had one fall out this year & brakes still worked but the caliper was riding on the rotor.

[xcoach]

Thanks. Will do.

[Bill Reynolds]

Check caliper bolts…..I had one fall out this year & brakes still worked but the caliper was riding on the rotor.

I had this happen too.
If you are missing a bolt, be sure to use blue thread locker on a replacement and tighten with an impact wrench.

[jimsch]

I would use a torque and not an impact wrench to actually verify the torque.

[xcoach]

Thanks guys. Someone posted on the Ranger forum that the brake pad backing had rusted from being locked out for so long. I have to back up a small hill to get it in the carport so that’s why I did that. Didn’t realize it would have negative consequences. Guess I’ll replace those and start pulling over and start locking them out before I get to my street.

[Andrebass]

If they are locked out, then how do they brake moving forward? Or you don't use the trailer brakes, since you specified that you are close to the launch.

[xcoach]

I’ve had them locked out for years because I have to back up a hill to my carport. Just took the wheel off a few minutes ago, the hub was so tight it wouldn’t bulge. If they are locked out does that mean going forward too. Pads had some wear left after 20 years. Not sure what I will do next. Advice?

[DaveBrabec]

Very common for older calipers to lock up. Just replace them

[mactlman]

ears on the pads will swell and stick in caliper--remove and clean everything well (pads and caliper slots) lube and re-assemble it all