GM-GMC: brakes, brake hoses, wheel cylinders


Question
1994 chevy3/4 ton pick up I have replaced the calipar on one side.  The problem is the brakes lock-up as soon as it gets hot. I have checked the hoses and they look fine and I have changed the brake pads.  ANy suggestions?

Answer
I had a pull to the left in my 83 G-20 until a couple of weekends ago.

My problem, which had caused me to replace both front calipers (and they should be replaced in pairs), turned out to be a restricted passenger side brake hose.

I had decided to replace all the hoses and the rear wheel cylinders on my 22 year old vehicle as preventive maintenance.  After removing both front brake hoses, which appeared to be in good condition, I cleaned them off and tried to blow through them.  I could not blow through the passenger side hose, yet it would let brake fluid move through it.

Bottom line:  You cannot tell a brake hose is bad by looking at it.  Either replace them or remove them and test them.  A bad hose may let brake fluid move through it under pressure, but it won't let the fluid return properly to the master cylinder.  This will cause the pads in the affected caliper to drag and could cause them to overheat and lock up, as well as premature wear.