SureTrack Community Fix: Locking up Kia

How many parts can you replace trying to resolve a problem? How about all of them and it still doesn’t work. SureTrack community member bender24 had a 2001 Kia in the shop that had the right front brake locking up and replacing all the brake parts didn’t resolve it. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member mistadave and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
2001 Kia Sephia Base 1.8L

Title
Right front brake locking up, replaced booster push rod.

Complaint
Right front brake will lock up once it gets hot. When given a chance to cool, it frees up. You are able to drive about a mile before it starts to lock up again.

Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced
Replaced the brake booster, brake master cylinder, brake proportioning valve, rear brake cylinders and shoes, front brake hoses, front brake lines, front brake rotors, front brake pads, front brake calipers and front wheel bearings. Also flushed out the brake fluids. What else could cause the one wheel to lock up once it gets hot?

Best Answer from Community Member mistadave
This unit may have diagonal brake system. Make sure there is a little slack in the pedal. Someone may have replaced the brake lamp switch and got it out of adjustment.

Cause
The rod that goes between the master cylinder and booster was incorrect and was slightly too long.

Correction
Replaced rod between master cylinder and booster and brakes no longer lock up.