hey i have a 1983 4x4. i got the truck about a mounth ago and fixed a few parts to get it drivable. i went offroad with it and it did great through some fairly big mud holes( that an 89 bronco strugled with) but then a few days later my master cylinder went out so it set up for about 3 weeks till i got one put on. got everything bled good but then as i was driving it it began to shake, pull,bounce,and a grinding sound from the left wheel then it lost brakes so i got it stopped after about 10 miles of driving and noticed the caliper itself was leaking (not from the line but on the bottom of the caliper) and smoke was everywhere. the hub was very hot!! burnt my fingers on the dial. once it cooled brake pressure was back but not for long as i drove it back to the house bout 4 miles. im thinking that the caliper seal is shot and that the hub is full of mud from being sunk in mud. so basically i plan on new pads, rotor, caliper rebuild, and clean_grease_and put new gaskets on the hub.

if any of yall could point me in the right direction i would be eternally greatful!!!

 

It could be a few things either the caliper is toast and seized or the wheel bearing is about to grenade

It can be the only thing keeping the wheel from coming off and rolling away was the caliper.

When this happens it puts strain on the caliper and they start leaking .

If it got that hot the wheel brearings should be removed and cleaned then checked for heat scoring. perhaps replaced.

Mud is a poor lubricant

 

thanks! thats along the lines of what i was thinking. im gonna start this weekend working on the truck. i guess im gonna clean the hub, fix caliper and wheel bearing.

do you think that the caliper could be rebuilt if it is siezed of was under strain?

 

Get a service manual if you dont have, think its downloadable on this site. I agree, bearings locking up or dry can leave you stranded. Not on my 4x4 but another veh. the lack of or just old wheel bearing grease and was like locking the brakes. Had to use a acetylene torch to cut off the bearing race from spindle, I was lucky to be only 4 blocks from home. If you want a reliable & safe older truck theres lots to check out, I'm still checking mine out after 12 years. Dont forget the rear axle seals, check diff and TC output seals for leaks. Stay away from mud if possible. I try not to go through anything deeper than a foot and take it slow. Pack the steering knuckle full with the black stuff, moly lithium. Hit all lube points and dont forget the universal joints. Good luck

Pics for your viewing enjoyment, LOL

 

Calipers can be tricky I have found the time involved in sourcing the rebuild parts taking them apart and cleaning sometimes the bores are so bad as to need major work

I just get two rebuilt ones and be done.

What part of the country one lives in makes a big difference as well.