Cold Stuck Brakes

I have an 06 automatic n/a with 50k miles. The last time (about a week ago)I turned on/drove the car everything was fine, though I noticed squeaky brakes during the first couple minutes of driving.

 

I had left it outside for the past week, didn't turn on or move it recently. This afternoon I turn the engine on, everything is smooth and fine and it warms up fine. Though now when I go to reverse out of my parking space it feels as though my E-brake/abs brakes are locked up and there is a 75% loss of power. Same thing when I drove forward to put it back into its spot. The car (as you know) used to move if one would tap the throttle but now it needs at least a 50-75% throttle push just to move a little (as though there is a very larger than normal static/initial resistance) and there seems to be no rolling momentum.

 

I don't think its the engine, just switched it to synthetic for the first time recently but the car runs smoother than ever and I've seen no visible leaks. The transmission fluid I believe is within the recommended service limits (every 30k miles, and the last time it should of been done at the dealer when i went for my 30k tune up car is at 50k right now) so the transmission shouldn't be the problem. It shifts from R/D/N/P fine from what I can tell. Since the car would move in R/D when in those positions.

 

I tried to push it in neutral myself but the car wouldn't budge at all forwards or backwards. And I never park with my E-brake on since it sits on a flat surface.

 

I believe as if the brakes or drive-train parts have been stuck on/rusted on to the wheels due to moisture/cold even though it hasn't snowed. Any one run into this problem, any kind of brake cleaner spray I could use/test to maybe loosen up the brakes?

 

Tomorrow I'll try again when its warmer outside and I can check the fluids, since right now its too dark.

This is actually perfectly normal. When a car sits like that the bare rotors (it is bare metal) will rust while sitting. For a week, in the northeast you will find this to happen every time you let it sit. There is no spray or anything to stop it from happening. The best way to clear it up is to drive it for a few miles while riding the brake or applying it liberally. This will cause the brake pads to essentially clean the rotors off.

 

-mike

 

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Thanks for reply, that's what I figured(at least best case scenario), and I've seen/had mild cases of this but right now it seems pretty bad like I'll over heat the transmission for having to try so hard to break the rust. I'll have to see it in the day tomorrow.

I dont think it will hurt the trans. Just give it enough tobreak em loose.

 

-mike

 

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Also will parking in a garage during the day (when other cars in my house are not using it) would that help loosen them?

Also will parking in a garage during the day (when other cars in my house are not using it) would that help loosen them?

 

Nope. The "damage" is done. You need to run them hard to clear the rust off them at this point.

 

-mike

 

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11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts.

Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us.

AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: paisan@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber

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You're gonna lol at this... ok so now its light out can look at the car... Boom both right side tires flat.. couldnt tell in complete dark lol... problem found and hopefully can solve...

Yikes... hope you didn't kill your tires or rims.

Wow, ok that will do it!

 

-mike

 

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