I have a 2006 Ford F-150 2WD with 140,000 miles, and recently BOTH front brakes began dragging suddenly. When I crack open the front brake line at the master cylinder, which controls both front calipers, both brakes release about 70%, but there’s still noticeable drag remaining. Interestingly, the brakes can re-stick even with the engine off—just pressing the brake pedal once is enough to cause them to drag again. After sitting for about 30 minutes, the calipers gradually release on their own to the same degree as when I manually relieve pressure by cracking the line, though they never fully disengage. This suggests a possible pressure issue, but I’m confused because even after relieving hydraulic pressure, the brakes still don’t completely free up. Could this mean there’s also a mechanical issue with the calipers themselves? It seems unlikely that both calipers would mechanically fail at the same time, but I’m wondering if it’s possible to have a simultaneous mechanical and hydraulic issue. I’d appreciate any insight into what could cause both front brakes to drag this way.

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F150 Both front brakes dragging

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05/08/2025 8:08 am

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I have a 2006 Ford F-150 2WD with 140,000 miles, and recently BOTH front brakes began dragging suddenly. When I crack open the front brake line at the master cylinder, which controls both front calipers, both brakes release about 70%, but there’s still noticeable drag remaining. Interestingly, the brakes can re-stick even with the engine off—just pressing the brake pedal once is enough to cause them to drag again. After sitting for about 30 minutes, the calipers gradually release on their own to the same degree as when I manually relieve pressure by cracking the line, though they never fully disengage. This suggests a possible pressure issue, but I’m confused because even after relieving hydraulic pressure, the brakes still don’t completely free up. Could this mean there’s also a mechanical issue with the calipers themselves? It seems unlikely that both calipers would mechanically fail at the same time, but I’m wondering if it’s possible to have a simultaneous mechanical and hydraulic issue. I’d appreciate any insight into what could cause both front brakes to drag this way.

Blakeb1128

(@blakeb1128)

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2 Answers

05/08/2025 8:49 am

If you have thus far only released pressure at the master cylinder, try doing it at the calipers by loosening the bleeder screws and see if they free up. If they do then the problem could be collapsed brake hoses or a problem in the ABS module.

Chuck Tobias

(@chucktobias)

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@chucktobias I can relieve pressure anywhere along the line including the bleeder. I’m just not sure why cracking a line opens the calipers like 70% but they are still sticking a bit.

By Blakeb1128 Topic starter 05/08/2025 10:26 am