Dragging brakes after sitting

[TomNJ]

Hello all, long time Fiat fan, first time poster here. The 1971 Spider I picked up last summer was sitting in a dry garage for many years. The brakes work, but they drag, slowing the car down for a while after applied (slowly releasing as you drive). I know the fluid is old and plan to replace it, but my question is, do you think putting on new hoses and all new fluid in the system (re-bleeding) might free up the calipers from sticking? Or do you think there's a good chance the calipers will need to be rebuilt to fix the problem?

Tom in Westfield, NJ

[rlux4]

The pads on our cars are "floating" type. The sliding surfaces need to be clean and smooth for the pads to operate well. Beyond that, if old hoses are collasped on the inside they restrict the release of the hydraulic pressure when you aren't braking. So it's always a good idea to replace them if there's any question of their condition.
Ron

[mbouse]

tom, welcome to the site. please stop by the introduction section and tell us more about you and your spider. perhaps you can post some pictures as well.

depending on how long the car has been sitting, yes the calipers might need rebuilding.

certainly the hoses should be replaced. a good rule of thumb for rubber parts is every five years... and the fluid should be refreshed every other year.

additionally, these calipers were designed to float on their brackets. calipers are aluminum and the brackets are cast iron. dirt and corrosion tend to accumulate at this mating surface causing the calipers to stick. cleaning this area is always a good idea.

in my experience, i have seen brake pads and the rotors getting wet, and the pads adhering to the rotors. but that usually lasts only a couple of hundred feet before the brake pad completely disintergrates.

[So Cal Mark]

I would plan on rebuilding or replacing the calipers before doing much driving. In addition, replace all of the fuel hoses before they fail too

[kristoj]

Agree completely with the others. Unless there is a receipt showing recent replacement, every car I purchase always gets new brake and fuel hoses and usually ball joints. Safety first!