'97 RF wheel locking up when hot

[Gerry McGerry]

Got a call from a mate yesterday needing help after his FTE 40th (cleanest 80 I've ever seen) decided to stop on the motorway.

Drivers front (RHD) wheel billowing white smoke, car wouldn't move. By the time I got out there with tools it had cooled down enough he could drive again, but we'd be pulling over frequently when it started to lock up again for it to cool.

Wasn't pulling to the right, but disc was definitely a bit dark when we got it home.

Wheel bearings seem ok, no noise at all when driving or spinning once it was jacked up, no play in wheel bearing.

Thoughts so far:

- Maybe ABS playing up, but doesn't seem like something that would sort itself out after cooling down.
- Old brake hose swelling?
- Water in brake hose expanding when hot?
- Sneaky wheel bearing on it's way out but showing no other symptoms?

Appreciate any thoughts, I'll send him a link to this thread to check responses.

 

[Fj80oregon]

Caliper pistons seizing up? slide pins rusty? Check the caliper and see if the pistons move freely. Put a block of wood the thickness roughly of the rotor and have him depress the brakes while you watch.

 

[Gerry McGerry]

I saw the slides, no rust there, very clean car. I'll have him check the pistons, might be clean but still 30yo original parts. He reported brakes working normally when it had cooled.

 

[Gerry McGerry]

Update.

It went to a mechanic, turns out it's all four brakes locking up, all discs are glazed. Drivers front was the only one we noticed smoking, didn't check the others at the time as it was late and I had to get home.

There is a slight leak from the transfer, they suggested it was the transfer case locking up the wheels.....

He's just pointing the parts cannon at it and firing, master/booster/lines are all original 29yo parts. Calipers function perfectly fine when car is cool.