Seized Brake Caliper? Maybe, Maybe Not..don't Know

[Bizzle Zickory]

What's up with my 1992 LS 400? Several weeks ago I noticed my brake pedal seemed substatially stiffer upon startup. When I tried reversing the car from its parking space, it felt as though it was rolling on four flats, or like the car was trying to power through a great deal of resistance. The problem eventually disappeared within a minute that day, but has since resurfaced to a greater degree recently. It feels as though the car's engine is now experiencing an unusually heightened amount of strain when I drive it [seldomly] , in addition to producing that unmistakable stench of scorched brake pads. Both these symptoms seem attributable to one or more seized brake calipers, but i'm not completely sure. Why, then, the stiff brake pedal? Based on these telltales, can anyone help identify the problem based, perhaps, from personal experience?

[SRK]

Easy diagnosis. Simply raise the wheels, one axle or one tire at a time, and have someone put their foot on the brake pedal. Attempt to turn the wheel, and then have them release the pedal. The wheel should spin nearly instantly as the pedal is released. If it doesn't, then you have found a sticky caliper, which may be caused by the slider, or by the piston. Chances are good it is a rear caliper as the pads wear so slowly that the piston locks up.

[Lexls]

Sounds like good advice SRK.

Once you find the seized caliper rebuild it and you're back in business.

[lexus400]

It's more than likely the guide pins on the caliper. Worth a shot before you give up on the caliper. Make sure you flush the brake fluid too.

Bob