I have smoke coming from my driver side tire after driving a little bit. Think the brake caliper is locked up.

Question

The truck starts jerking the faster I go

It is a 1989 Ford Ranger, front left. The truck had been sitting up for fours years and now I'm trying to get it going.It runs great just small things happening

found the problem, brake caliper locked up. Wheel turns freely after I took the caliper off. Thanks all

Answer 1

What kind of truck, how many miles?
Jack it up & see if the wheel turns freely, also check for loose wheel bearings. Post results.
Good luck David G

After removing the wheel you should be able to pry the brake caliper piston over to give you some slack on the pads. Put the pry bar between the inside pad & the rotor. If it is hard to move then you'll need to change it. If you are not sure how hard it should be, you can check the other one that is not getting hot.
Good luck David G

Answer 2

Check to see if the Brake pad became dislodged from The piston seat. Sounds like drumb brakes Just replace the springs and shoes. Or disc resurface the rotor and replace the shoes. either way after bleed the brakes.

Answer 3

You didn't say if it was front or rear. If it is the rear, then the emergency brake may not be released.

Have this checked out now. You could wind up with a fire, if the brakes get that hot. You could also boil the brake fluid and put air in the line and lose all your brakes. good luck.

Answer 4

it is 1 of 3 things. either your caliper is locking or your rake hose is stopped up from deterioration or a wheel barring is going out.

Answer 5

It also could be wheel bearing that is seized up.This is avery dangerous condition you should stop driving untill it is fixed.

Answer 6

soooo...u need to replace caliper