Problems with LJ rear discs?

Haggis

Appalachian Ridgerunner
Yesterday I was mounting my winter rims on the LJ when I notice that the rear driver side rotor's surface was flaking and scored. The passenger side was fine, but I went ahead and put new rotors and pads for both sides. When I went to mount the pads for the driver's side much to my surprise the caliper was froze up and non operationial, so I had to install a new caliper. The Lj only has 24,000 miles and I'm surprised I had a caliper failure. Is this a common problem with the rear disc 44s or did I just get lucky?
 
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86cj

Explorer
My LJ has not had trouble but is also parked all winter....
A lot of different MFG's have issues with rear discs in the "Rust Belt" areas (more road spray on rear discs than front), I heard that is why GM went back to drums in the rear on some new models.
I have been battling the same problem with my 2000 ZR-2 Blazer, every 2 years or so a rear caliper freezes up and eats the pad and rotor, the front calipers last a little longer.

It seems like if you re-greased the pins every tire rotation or some schedule might be the fix (that is my new plan anyhow).
I can't believe the need to replace calipers at every brake job but I am starting to think I would be money ahead. The new pads last so long these days that the rotor is in pretty bad shape anyway (with the road salt) and with the caliper being the cheapest part of the high dollar brake job.:rolleyes:

I usually find the pins froze up but eventually the piston on the aluminum caliper will freeze up...I don't know if I answered your question but I feel your pain.....
 

Haggis

Appalachian Ridgerunner
Well we definitily live in the Rust Belt, and the LJ really hasn't really done much muddin'. The Ram with the front and rear lockers is much more suited for that. I think it's a case of bad luck and a mariginal part that got by the inspections. I'm going to tear the old caliper apart just to satisfy my morbid curiousity and see whats going on in there. Just was wondering if anyone else had any problems.
 

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