I think I know this answer, but I what to pose a question to the members more knowledgeable than I am about brakes. I have symptoms indicating that I probably have a caliper piston that is sticking a little bit. Is there any way possible for me to be able to know for certain which of the 12 pistons in the brake system are sticking other than to take each caliper off and physically examine each piston? In other works, is it just a matter of checking each caliper until I find the culprit or is there a shortcut or method to tell me which caliper is the problem before I start removing parts so I can go right to the problem without having to potentially take each one off only to find that it's the very last one.

 

Jack up the car on stands and free spin the wheel? You should feel more resistance with the one that's finds.

 

Did not think of that. Thanks, I'll try it.

 

Any time I do a brake job, or suspect a sticking caliper (ie. more brake dust on one wheel or hardly any wear on the rotor), I whip out my digital temperature gun after a short drive and compare. If one rotor is abnormally hot or cold, chances are the caliper is sticking.

Best to find out the problems as soon as you suspect them. Sometimes though, I don't think anything's wrong and then find out one corner has prematurely worn pads and the rotor is warped.

 

Another good suggestion. Thanks.

I'm guessing the rotor that has a sticking caliper will be hotter than the opposite side? Any idea how much of a difference in temperature?

 

Mine was so severe smoke started to come out when I parked the car. But it was on both front brakes.