How would brake pad retainers...

[Two Fowty]

..cause crazy brake drag. I just have horrible luck with brakes and dragging from the beginning. Got gold series brake pads at autozone, and new pad retainers. After installation, ungodly dragging. Bleh, hate it. Take retainers out, dragging is gone.

So yea, problem solved. But how does having the retainers in cause such serious brake drag. I dont get it. This is more of an insight question, cause I cant find the answer I want. I'm just wondering for future reference.

Because of the lack of retainers, I assume, my pads have a bit of moving room where I can scoot them a very tiny bit in either direction, is that okay? And, since the retainers are the cause of my brakes dragging, is there a special retainer i need, or what, cause i was recently told to keep them on, but that is my problem.

Also, on my passenger rear brake, i can move my caliper just slightly back and forth, how do I stop that? I can't do it on any of my other ones. By back and forth I mean towards me if im standing at the wheel. It's just slight, but its noticable, and its the whole caliper, not just the piston.

Thanks
Modified by Two Fowty at 12:39 PM 6/29/2009

[4cefed]

..cause crazy brake drag. I just have horrible luck with brakes and dragging from the beginning. Got gold series brake pads at autozone, and new pad retainers. After installation, ungodly dragging. Bleh, hate it. Take retainers out, dragging is gone.

So yea, problem solved. But how does having the retainers in cause such serious brake drag. I dont get it. This is more of an insight question, cause I cant find the answer I want. I'm just wondering for future reference.

Because of the lack of retainers, I assume, my pads have a bit of moving room where I can scoot them a very tiny bit in either direction, is that okay? And, since the retainers are the cause of my brakes dragging, is there a special retainer i need, or what, cause i was recently told to keep them on, but that is my problem.

It would be my guess that the caliper bracket under the retainers has either rusted a bit or has built up dust or grime. Next time wire brush them and put the retainers back on. I actually broke a couple in my LeBaron and ditched them, big mistake. Ever bump I hit I can hear the pads rattle. I'll eventually need new brackets. But, since it's a Chrysler it doesn't see the road much.

Also, on my passenger rear brake, i can move my caliper just slightly back and forth, how do I stop that? I can't do it on any of my other ones. By back and forth I mean towards me if im standing at the wheel. It's just slight, but its noticable, and its the whole caliper, not just the piston.

Thanks

Modified by Two Fowty at 12:39 PM 6/29/2009

Well, they are supposed to move, they are on slider pins. The one that doesn't move is the problem, the pins are probably seized.