WhattaDrag. . Diagnosing Brake Release Issues

[Amskeptic]

I've heard about the collapsed brake hoses as a potential source of dragging brakes. Before you indict the hose, however, do a diagnostic.
Jack up the front end. Pump your brakes up and quickly check to see if the front wheels turn with difficulty they should be almost freely turnable.
If they are draggy, pull the wheels. Open a bleeder valve after you pump up the brakes again. Still draggy? you have a mechanical issue with sticking caliper pistons or weak spreader spring or gummed up pad slots.
But if fluid squirts out and the wheel frees up, you need to distinguish between a hose collapse and the BLOCKED COMPENSATOR PORTS in the master cylinder. Bentley is pretty specific about this being a possible cause of draggy brakes. Here's how. Have someone pump up the brake pedal again then release and immediately you loosen the brake hose/line connection where it is attached to the body, you must be upstream of the hose itself. If the wheel does not free up when you loosen this connection, your hose is collapsed and remaining pressurized. If brake fluid squirts out and the wheel releases, it will most likely be the master cylinder's gummed-up compensating ports. How do I know this?
My original master cylinder just gave it up in Las Vegas, a firm beautiful pedal, great stopping modulation, but my hub caps were 190* in the front and only 120* in the back after a stop free mile of driving. Many of my customers were politely trying to tell me that my car was. . . . slow, and I myself was annoyed with lousy fuel mileage and lots-o-brake dust. Now the car feels light again, and the brakes are running much cooler. With the car's original brake hoses still intact. My repair costs for this trip have now rocketed to $58.50. fuel mileage should pay for this repair in short order. By the way, it is easy to install and bleed a master cylinder by yourself. Pull the belly pan and you can yank down on the brake pedal lever while loosening and tightening the fittings at the master cylinder. It is way fun on 110* black asphalt in Las Vegas with hot brake fluid spattering you.
Colin

[banana3]

Good info. My left front disc brake seems to be locking up when I apply a lot of pressure. It's okay when I'm gentle. Would your diagnostic be relavant for my situation? I'm not sure whether it's dragging all the time or not.

Thanks for your help.
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George

[Amskeptic]

If the wheel is prematurely locking under braking, then it suggests that the right front caliper is not doing its job. Check to see that you can smooth retract the pads on the right side. If they are frozen, your foot pressure is being delivered to the left side only. My diagnostic track was for wheel dragging when your foot is off the brakes entirely.
Colin

[banana3]

Thanks, Colin. That makes sense.

Hope you are enjoying your trip. Give a yell if you're in the Washington. DC area.
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George